Analysis: Life Saving Innovation at Alarming Prices

We do scientific innovation very well. New therapies — from anesthesia in 1850, antibiotics in 1928, organ transplants in 1960, to COVID vaccines now — are improving our lives and extending life expectancy. However, healthcare costs now consume 20% of our economy, and we aren’t getting our money’s worth. Complicating the issue, Pharma’s extreme drug prices are a main driver of those rising costs. Despite the cost, we found a way to pay for new therapies in the past. But that is going to be getting harder now. Read more