In a move that frankly gives me pause to wonder if there could actually be a drug company with a heart, Imprimis Pharmaceuticals in San Diego recently announced its intent to sell its version of Daraprim. The price? One dollar per pill for everyone.
Look out, Turing Pharmaceuticals, you have competition! Turing, owners of Daraprim, made the news earlier this year when vulture-capitalist Martin Shkreli pissed off the entire Internet by raising the Daraprim’s price from $13.50 per pill to a whopping $750.00 per pill. Shkreli said that selling at the original price would force Turing to take a loss. Well, another company opted for “patients before profits” and plans on selling its version of Daraprim for a dollar per pill.
The furor over Daraprim is one of the most noticeable in 2015, largely due to the fact that the 62-year-old drug is considered to be the treatment for toxoplasmosis. The disease is especially dangerous, even deadly, for those with suppressed immune systems, such as cancer and HIV patients.
As the court of public opinion was calling for Shkreli’ head on a platter, he backpedaled and agreed to reduce the 5000+% price hike. He did cut the price several weeks later. However, the Big Pharma Bro that everyone loves to hate only dropped the price to $350.00 per pill and only for hospitals. The $750.00 price tag still applies for individuals.
Of course, good ol’ Martin whined that he was being picked on unfairly.
“There are literally a dozen companies just like ours that raise prices dramatically, and higher, might I add, than our company. And I don’t see those companies getting the criticism that I get.”
True. That could be because their spokespeople actually don’t go on the news with big grins and dismissive attitudes. And I’ve never seen Marijne Dekkers, Bayer’s CEO, tweet Eminem lyrics in response to detractors. But, enough about Shkreli.
In a move that frankly gives me pause to wonder if there could actually be a drug company with a heart, Imprimis Pharmaceuticals in San Diego recently announced its intent to sell its version of Daraprim. The price? One dollar per pill for everyone.
When he was asked about the huge loss Imprimis would take (based on Shkreli’s view of the world), CEO Mark Baum replied, “The chemicals that we use to make this formulation are quite inexpensive. We make a really nice profit on this, but we make what I feel is an ethical profit, a reasonable profit. There are many, many examples of formulations like this where companies are really treating drugs like a share of stock, they’re just buying and selling them in the marketplace.”
I think I love Mark Baum.
The FDA is examining Imprimis’ plan and wouldn’t comment at present.
Imprimis is also thinking of making cheaper versions of other pricey drugs, focusing on getting patients the help they need without adding to their suffering financially.
I’m almost positive I want to marry Mark Baum, now.
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