You're basically saying that with reform, insurance companies won't be aggressively pushing outpatient care and low-cost prescription drugs as a way to keep premiums low. Leaving companies like TEVA to stand gain incredible market share - who also was a contributor to the Democratic/Obama campaign.
If that's what you're saying than, then you're being very naive.
Ahhh...you said
insurance companies...NOT manufacturer completely.
Yes, the insurance companies will push generics (though they are NOT the same as the non-generic drug).
TEVA...one company. They may be the "world largest manufacturer of generics" but they still are just one company. There are MANY other large manufacturing companies (there is one in Broomfield).
But, then that theoretically should push everyone NOT in the generics manufacturing away, as they would then be losing their market share (which is a larger share than generics). You talking about generics is just one piece of the pie...which has many other slices.
If they did contribute to the Obama campaign then yes shame on them. BUT...that is NO different than the NRA and gun manufacturers contributing to say...the Republicans campaign. You tend to contribute to those who are going to keep you in business and help you make money. Lets not be in denial, Republicans are NO better about this than Democrats.
I'm not a caveman, and have no problem with beneficial drugs -- but BS if you don't think the AMA and government are the biggest pushers in the US. I have no problem with a pharma company making an honest profit and recouping what I fully understand are substantial R&D costs in product development. What I have problems with is stupid bureaucratic agencies like the FDA controlling what does and does not come to market, regulating healthy food choices and supplements as though their meth, and creating the false image that "better living through chemistry" works.
I'm not making up the fact that kids that may have a tough time focusing, instead of being taught to compensate for those issues and embrace the gifts they do have, instead get prescribed boatloads of amphetamines and pschoactives, when there is clear evidence of the adverse side effects - including violence -- that accompanies these "meds", particularly in the hormone varying systems of adolescents. Keep making flonase for me, but could we lay off the ritalin and prozac for our kids? :lecture:
Once again... government =/= manufacturers.
"I have no problem with a pharma company making an honest profit and recouping what I fully understand are substantial R&D costs in product development."
I'm glad you know at least this part
I'm amazed that people don't realized these companies exist just like any other...to turn a profit and make the people they owe money (share holders, etc.) happy.
Yes they do "feel good" stuff and do, counter to belief, give two sh*ts about what they do, the outcome of their patients lives, and more.
Living in Fort Collins (many a hippie)... you'd be surprised how many people think these companies should basically give the stuff away, as if it their duty.
"What I have problems with is stupid bureaucratic agencies like the FDA controlling what does and does not come to market, regulating healthy food choices and supplements as though their meth, and creating the false image that "better living through chemistry" works."
This is unfortunate on both sides. The FDA exists for VERY good reasons. Yes on some things they might go slightly "overboard"...but remember what kind of society we live in. We are our own undoing. The reason thing are SO strict for pharma/biotech is for QIPPS (Quality, Identity, Purity, Potency and Safety). You and I both know we live in a sue happy country (which is one reason why newer drugs are so expensive). The FDA has regulations (which I breathe day to day) we adhere to...and many are there for good reason. Hell, we actually have FDA inspectors on the site I'm working at right now
ONE little thing could cause a company to lose MILLIONS though it might have had NOTHING to do with them.
As far as food goes, yeah they can f*ck themselves. If I want to have a cow in my backyard and get my own milk...or grow my own vegetables I damn well should be able to.
For supplements...I have a love hate relationship with these. I love them because I use them (protein powder, vitamins, etc.). BUT, the moment ANY of these claim to have health benefits...they should have to play by the SAME rules everyone else does (which is where the FDA gets more involved.) Believe me when I say that I've known people within our company who've done work at supplement sites and heard their stories...you want the FDA to have some over site on them :gag:.
I guess it's really all hard to explain unless you've worked in this field for a little while at least.
I'm not saying that all companies are by all means "good" nor is the FDA someone who should have their nose it anything.
What I do mean is that there are many "drug" companies...lumping them into this "evil" bureaucratic world where they all have their hands in the government/FDA/etc. pockets and vice versa is just plain asinine. Do I think kids are over medicated? Yes. Is that the manufactures fault? To me, not any more than the gun/gun manufacturers fault for someone getting shot.
It's the over bearing, want to put my child in a bubble parents as well as many of the doctors to blame. My girlfriend works at a family practice in Fort Collins (the only one in FoCo that serves Medicaid/Medicare patients)...and after hearing about work every night...the companies who make the drug are one of the last people to blame. :doh:
Sorry for the long drawn out response. Working as a consultant in these fields has opened my eyes to a lot of things...some bad, but for the most part good.
Maybe I can 'splain/talk more if yall come out to COFest
