[split] from Fumaderm thread

[mataribot]

Millions of Americans already take unregulated medications. Those drugs are known as generics, and are relatively cheap compared to their non-generic counterparts. Generics drug manufacturers often add ingredients that are not found in the name brand version. Many people have died because of reactions to additional ingredients, and the supreme court ruled that cheap drugs are worth more than the lives of people who take them. Also, note that these drugs have a target dose range of 80% to 125% of what the actual dose should be. For example, a bottle of NSAIDs may work wonders one month, but the next it might not help at all.

Honestly, the cost of Stelara is primary based of fair market value and overall cost of the development and maintaining of the drug. Stringent trials required for approval in many countries adds to the overall cost of the development. As long as there are several other drugs on the market for psoriasis, the price of Stelara is unlikely to suddenly spike in cost. It’s also important to note that there is a lot of risk involved with drugs that manipulate someone’s immune system. Typically, with high risk investments, the investors expects high profit if they investment succeeds.

This long winded post has one point; some regulation is needed to keep drugs safe, but some common sense may reduce the cost for everyone.