Help us fight one of the most significant health crises of our time – obesity. With over 650 million adults globally grappling with this condition, we need to take bold steps. We are passionately committed to disrupting the current healthcare paradigm by democratizing access to crucial medical solutions.
In our mission to tackle obesity, we aim to develop a $1 prescription weight loss medication, an affordable, safe, and effective solution for all. Current prescription weight loss drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy have shown remarkable results, but their high prices and limited availability hinder many from benefiting from these medical advances. We want to change that.
Through our campaign, we want to level the healthcare field by making weight management accessible, regardless of income or insurance coverage. Our goal? A $1 safe, prescription weight loss drug, effectively challenging the roots of health inequality, accessible to highest number of people, because of its immense safety profile.
To realize this ambitious goal, we need your support. Your contribution will go towards innovative, collaborative research and development. We plan to harness the principles of Effective Altruism, focusing our efforts to benefit as many people as possible, while using our resources efficiently and strategically.
Phase 1: Developing the $1 Prescription Weight Loss Drug
We need to overcome high research costs, strict regulatory environments, and profit-driven models that contribute to the high cost of prescription medications. This phase includes extensive testing and trials to ensure safety and efficacy, and navigating regulatory obstacles, all while focusing on cost-efficiency and open science.
Subsequent phases will be about creating marketing & awareness campaigns.
What is Phentermine?
Phentermine is a prescription medication used along with a doctor-approved, reduced-calorie diet, exercise, and behavior change program to help you lose weight. It is used in people who are significantly overweight (obese) and have not been able to lose enough weight with diet and exercise alone. Losing weight and keeping it off can reduce the many health risks that come with obesity, including heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, and a shorter life.
Phentermine is a stimulant similar to an amphetamine. It acts as an appetite suppressant by affecting the central nervous system. The exact mechanism of action is not entirely understood, but it appears to decrease appetite by acting on centers in the brain that control appetite and satiety levels.
Phentermine is intended to be used as part of a comprehensive weight loss program, including dietary changes, increased physical activity, and behavioral changes, and it’s typically prescribed for short-term use of a few weeks.
It is worth mentioning that this medication has a risk of abuse and dependence, and therefore it’s classified as a controlled substance. Side effects can include increased heart rate, dry mouth, insomnia, and nervousness. Check out this phentermine documentary to know about its controversies with the FDA.
As with any medication, it’s essential to discuss the potential benefits and risks with a healthcare provider. In our campaign we seek to develop the safest prescription weight loss drug possible, so that it’s accessible for use for the highest number of people.
Challenges: Can we develop $1 phentermine like drug?
The development of a $1 version of phentermine or a similar weight-loss drug is a noble goal, and it certainly aligns with a vision of improving global health equity. However, achieving this objective involves navigating a complex array of scientific, economic, and regulatory challenges.
From a scientific perspective, developing a low-cost version of an existing drug involves identifying cost-efficient manufacturing processes without compromising the safety and effectiveness of the drug. This process might leverage advancements in pharmaceutical technology and artificial intelligence to streamline the drug development process and reduce costs. But, it’s also important to keep in mind that ongoing research and quality checks are essential to ensure the drug remains effective and safe over time.
On the economic front, the high cost of drug development and production, particularly in initial stages, often contributes to the final price of a medication. Therefore, developing a $1 version of a drug may necessitate financial support from government subsidies, philanthropic donations, or innovative business models that prioritize public health over profit.
In terms of regulatory considerations, drug development and distribution are heavily regulated to ensure patient safety. Regulatory agencies, such as the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), require rigorous testing and approval processes, which can be expensive and time-consuming. Even generic versions of existing drugs need to prove that they’re bioequivalent to the original, a process that takes time and money.
The East Harlem Challenge
The East Harlem Business Capital Corporation (EHBCC) strives to ensure that local businesses and entrepreneurs participate in and benefit from East Harlem’s ongoing revitalization. We provide comprehensive business development services that help home-grown businesses satisfy the needs and wants of the growing consumer market in El Barrio. These services – including loans, business training classes, and one-on-one technical assistance – help give local businesses the strength they need to compete with other commercial districts in New York City.
East Harlem Business Capital Corporation
2261-63 First Avenue 3rd Floor
Entrance at 357 East 116th Street
New York, NY 10035
Tel: 212.427.6590
Fax: 212.427.6537