University of Cambridge researchers writing in BMJ report that pharma companies involved in acquisitions and buybacks of stock often more than double the price of an acquired drug as a reward to shareholders while simultaneously causing a rationing effect among those patients who most need them. To counter this financial model the university researchers suggest giving health systems greater bargaining power to negotiate deals for breakthrough treatments and limiting share buybacks.
Poll Question:
To counter rising drug prices that often result from pharma company acquisitions and stock buybacks, do you agree that public health systems should be given greater bargaining power to negotiate deals for breakthrough therapies?
Yes
93
No
21
Not sure
12
