How entry barriers (often created by a ridiculous patent
system) restrict competition in US healthcare sector and lead to exorbitant
prices.
Update –
MYLAN CEO happens to be a US Senator’s daughter:
“Members of
Congress are in an unusual position as they demand an explanation for Mylan
NV’s 400 percent price hike for the EpiPen and focus attention squarely on its
CEO: Heather Bresch.
If lawmakers follow
the usual script, Bresch could get called up to Capitol Hill next month to
explain her company’s justification for raising the price on the life-saving
allergy shot. But that could be awkward, since she’s the daughter of Democratic
Senator Joe Manchin of West Virginia....
The Mylan
controversy fits a similar pattern. Mylan has increased the price of its EpiPen
from about $57 a shot when it took over sales of the product in 2007 to more
than $600 for two auto-injectors. But the company’s EpiPen is a more mainstream
drug used to treat life-threatening allergic reactions from bee stings, food
allergies or other triggers, which could give the issue a larger constituency.”Related:
http://www.theatlantic.com/health/archive/2016/08/epi-pens/497126/