Today’s episode of Medicine: The Truth looks at the latest in new drug approvals and new drug pricing, topics that have become inseparable in our nation’s healthcare conversation.

One study found that the average “launch price” of new drugs has increased from $2,115 per year in 2008 to $180,007 per year in 2021. And there’s no sign drug makers are slowing down. Already in 2024, pharma companies have raised prices on 775 new medications.

Podcast cohosts Dr. Robert Pearl and Jeremy Corr discuss the cost of new drugs and their relative value. Are Americans getting what they’re paying for? For that answer and more, here’s a snapshot of topics covered on today’s show:

• As many as 2 million new cases per day of Covid, RSV and flu
• FDA approves a new sickle cell disease treatment
• The latest Covid variant, JN.1, and its impact on Americans
• A morning-sickness hormone discovered by Cambridge researchers
• Drug rebates coming this year for Medicare patients?
• The link between drug makers and non-profit patient advocacy groups
• Congress mulling price transparency laws despite intense lobbying
• The latest on GLP-1 weight-loss medications
• Infected Americans no longer isolating, masking
• What now for 10 million Americans who lost Medicaid coverage?
• Venture capital firm buys one of largest health systems in Ohio
• Should you turn to YouTube for emergency medical advice?

Click here for more info: https://www.fixinghealthcarepodcast.com/

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Dr. Robert Pearl is the author of a book about medicine’s invisible yet highly influential physician culture. Check out “Uncaring: How Physician Culture Is Killing Doctors & Patients.” All profits from the book go to Doctors Without Borders.

Fixing Healthcare is a co-production of Dr. Robert Pearl and Jeremy Corr. Subscribe to the show via Apple, Spotify, Stitcher or wherever you find podcasts. Join the conversation or suggest a guest by following the show on Twitter and LinkedIn.

The post MTT #80: What’s new in drug discovery and pricing? appeared first on Fixing Healthcare.