Drug to prevent premature births jumps in price from $10 to $1500

[karadinart]

The drug known as Makena has been produced for years, yet KY Pharmacutical recently purchased the rights to the drug, a move which was supported by the March of Dimes because they considered the quality of the drug would be consistent and easier to get - however, once the Food and Drug Administration in the US grants patents to a drug, they have no control over the price the manufacturer will set.

It's blatant greed, there is no research and development to pay for, the testings been done, in fact, there are other versions of the drug from other companies but KY Pharmacutical is threatening to sue them.

The manufacturer now states that the new high cost is justifiable - after all, its less expensive then caring for a premature infant! (GRRR.)

http://www.nytimes.com/aponline/2011/03/09/health/AP-US-MED-Premature-Birth-Drug.html?_r=1&ref=aponline

Comments

[akiyoshie.livejournal.com]

I read this sometime last week, and all I could say is "WTF is this, I don't even...." I mean seriously, they are threatening the lives of children for a quick buck, and everybody doesn't have this kind of money, and I doubt Healthcare would cover such outrageous prices. Whoever thought this was a brilliant idea should be tortured and shot.