Can drug production be democratized?

•In a post-COVID world, the pharmaceutical industry faces a critical juncture, necessitating a transformative shift in drug development approaches. Dr. Gennaro D’Urso, a professor at the University of Miami and the visionary behind Genetic Networks and Pharma Collective, highlights the industry's historical profit-centric model and its shortcomings in addressing essential healthcare needs.•The scarcity of critical drugs, such as Cisplatin, due to dwindling profitability, has led to a call for change. Enter Pharma Collective, a blockchain-driven, nonprofit initiative aiming to democratize drug production and mitigate shortages. This innovative approach empowers global stakeholders to collaborate, make inclusive decisions, and usher in a new era where public health needs take precedence over profit, signaling a promising shift in the pharmaceutical landscape.