Very true. Or even just: "A combination of chemicals".
What I also find remarkable is how much actual research in biotech is done with public money.
And how much big pharma spends on marketing, as opposed to actual research.
I think India's take on pharma products is enlightening. The pharma industry has managed to effect some self-serving changes in India's patent laws. However, as we speak the Supreme Court of India is hearing a case of particular interest.
"A combination of chemicals inside of a pill that cures headaches"
Oh my god. That is a terrific analogy. I regularly talk to people who don't understand the horror of software patents and have been trying to come up with a good example - this is perfect.
If Biotech worked the way software did, you would be able to patent "A combination of chemicals inside of a pill that cures headaches".