We already paid for COVID-19 treatments, we shouldn't have to pay twice.

[alwaysinasnit]

https://www.rawstory.com/2020/03/we-already-paid-for-covid-19-treatments-we-cannot-let-big-pharma-make-us-pay-again/

There’s much we don’t yet know about COVID-19, the disease caused by the novel coronavirus. We don’t know how long the pandemic will last, when a vaccine will be developed, or how many lives antiviral medications can save. But there’s one thing we know for sure: U.S. taxpayers have already paid for the research and testing of the most promising treatments.

These treatments should be available to everyone who needs them at no cost. But the Trump administration’s drug policy is led by two former pharmaceutical executives, and that is having devastating consequences for potential access to treatments and vaccines for the COVID-19 pandemic.

If you’ve been watching Donald Trump’s daily press briefings, that might come as a surprise. During his 2016 campaign, Trump loved to talk tough on pharma and say he would fight for lower drug prices. But then he put Alex Azar, a big pharma CEO infamous for doubling the price of insulin, in charge of regulating health care. Several weeks ago, Azar refused to guarantee that a coronavirus vaccine will be affordable for all, citing the need to protect big pharma’s profits.

snip...

Trump fails to mention that taxpayers have spent nearly $700 million on coronavirus research through the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Nor does he mention that big pharma corporations spend more money enriching themselves through stock buybacks than they do on research and development.

snip...

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GD vultures

[area51]

1. We could switch to

comprehensive Medicare for All, and have reasonably priced drugs that our tax dollars paid for. It wouldn't surprise me in our current system if the Covid-19 vaccine is priced at something like $10k a dose.

[alwaysinasnit]

2. At $10K a dose, that would have a eugenic effect (and I wouldn't be too surprised if that would

be considered a secondary benefit to the profit-making).

[TwilightZone]

4. They won't be $10k.

No idea where that number is coming from, though my guess is thin air. Moderna says the cost will be comparable to pneumonia vax, which is $240.


https://www.fool.com/investing/2020/03/04/moderna-ceo-says-its-coronavirus-vaccine-will-be-a.aspx

[alwaysinasnit]

5. It may be an inaccurate figure but due to the granting of orphan status for Gilead's application,

the potential for price gouging is there. I posted this yesterday.

https://www.democraticunderground.com/100213168149

[TwilightZone]

6. Different formulations.

Several companies - sixteen at last count - are developing them concurrently. If one is priced at $240, Gilead won't get $10k a dose.

https://www.marketwatch.com/story/these-nine-companies-are-working-on-coronavirus-treatments-or-vaccines-heres-where-things-stand-2020-03-06

[alwaysinasnit]

7. Good!!!

[TwilightZone]

3. Where are you getting $10k?

The company developing one says it will be comparable to pneumonia vax, which is $240.

https://www.fool.com/investing/2020/03/04/moderna-ceo-says-its-coronavirus-vaccine-will-be-a.aspx