PCL102H1 Lecture Notes - Lecture 20: Viral Hepatitis, Dna Gyrase, Orphan Drug
Document Summary
Lecture 20: the conflict between making money and saving lives. Pharma has different challenges then other companies; this is because there is a high risk and huge likelihood of failure. They also have different responsibilities-must decide weather to pursue or discontinue therapeutic approaches; however, they must also satisfy investors: power of life and death. Drug costs in usa are rising by 10% annually and development costs doubles every 7 years. The focus now is on antibodies and orphan drugs (biologics) In addition, there is less return on investment but more cost of production/development of drug: to make up for this extreme pricing has become the norm for drugs that benefit fewer people. There were many programs such as uniaids 90-90-90" which focused on getting a dx for 90% of people infected with hiv; putting 90% of those on antiretroviral therapy; and getting 90% of those virally suppressed.