Comment Re:Not right! (Score 1) 967
Don't forget that the profits from the development and manufacture of one successful drug (say Tamiflu) has to cover the costs of a myriad of failed drugs.
e.g.
1. Pharmaceutical company does R&D in 5 avenues in one year.
2. Each one costs $1bn to pursue.
3. One avenue turns up Tamiflu.
4. Government revokes patent in public interest and pays $1bn compensation.
5. No pharmaceutical company ever does any research again as they have lost $4bn.
e.g.
1. Pharmaceutical company does R&D in 5 avenues in one year.
2. Each one costs $1bn to pursue.
3. One avenue turns up Tamiflu.
4. Government revokes patent in public interest and pays $1bn compensation.
5. No pharmaceutical company ever does any research again as they have lost $4bn.
