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I'm sure it's quite cheap to produce, but the true cost is in the research. Having the US shoulder that cost while offering a much cheaper rate is a commendable model in my book.

If they are charging an excessive amount in the states I'm not defending that policy, but varying by national wealth is surely a step in the direction of fairness.

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I was under the impression that the bulk of the cost of a drug was not the research, but the clinical trials and the FDA approval process. If so, it's only fair to charge more in countries where it costs more to get the drug approved.

I think it's acceptable to file clinical trials and the FDA approval process under research.

Clinical trials, sure - but anything that's specific to the FDA is squarely "regulatory compliance", not "research".

It is the free rider problem made manifest, which is great for free riders until the system breaks down. The US system is slowly making its way towards breaking down -- with no one footing the bill, what will be the impact on research?

You see "fair" and I see "unsustainable".

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