Oh, I am aware that the drug companies make a bundle on some drugs. The one article was basically talking about the stock value. However, without the research and the possibility of making $$$, where would we be. There are many drugs that never make it to market either. There should be some sort of happy median. If stockholders don't make money, who will invest $$ in the research.
As to the second article. A bit of caution might be in order. On the first drug, Avastan, Genentech made 200 million dollars in profit, according to the article (you have to do the math yourself). Seems like a lot to me for one drug out of many. The author also talks about the money drug companies spent on explaining drugs to doctors. These are sales calls pure and simple. And as for the authors comments about "ask your doctor" ads, these ads are responsible for people asking for drugs which may or may not benefit them more than other unadvertised drugs. Read with caution.
I don't doubt the drug companies make $$ on their drugs once they are approved. This article just puts things in another perspective. Give me something to think about .......
I read the second article. It is an eye opener. I thought that the quicker a drug went to a generic alternative the better for the patients. I know more now. Marie
Ladies on ARANESP really need to read this and ask their MD.