8 billion dollars a pill

Author: ［USA］Gutman
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2005-05-01
Features: Expensive drug prices, even in the wealthy United States, are a sensitive topic that touches the public's nerves. Through an in-depth investigation of the American pharmaceutical industry, the author discovers that the American people are actually paying for their medication twice. While their taxes are used by the government for drug development, they also bear the heavy burden of drug prices. Whenever a new drug is developed with government-funded research, pharmaceutical companies rush in to make huge profits. The author believes that the driving force behind pharmaceutical innovation primarily comes from dedicated scientists, while pharmaceutical companies are solely chasing profits. The book also reveals many behind-the-scenes stories of drug development. EPO is a globally biotechnology-based drug, but its creation was the result of a scientist's relentless efforts over two decades. A Novartis cancer drug has won numerous honors and billions in sales, but without Brian Druker from Oregon Health & Science University, this drug would never have reached the market. Faced with expensive drug prices, the author also proposes a solution, suggesting that the government fund the establishment of a specialized research institute to compare various drugs through experiments. Obviously, it is not easy to resolve the widespread conflict of interest between pharmaceutical companies and public health. However, this book is of great reference value for those concerned about drug prices, as well as for readers interested in healthcare systems, national health services, and the role of pharmaceutical companies in societal development. The book exposes the systematic exploitation in the pharmaceutical industry and proves, with facts, that progress in biopharmaceuticals does not require such violent profiteering. The author also presents their own solution to the issue of expensive drug prices.