Billionaire Couple Is Taking On Big Pharma To Lower Your Prescription Drug Prices | NBC Nightly News

Recent questions

• Why are John and Laura Arnold challenging big pharma?

  John and Laura Arnold are challenging big pharma over high drug prices because they believe that drug companies are exploiting patent laws to block cheaper generic competition and raise prices significantly. The Arnolds, who made billions in energy and hedge fund trading, now run a foundation focusing on healthcare with $119 million. They advocate for patent system reform and a regulatory structure that incentivizes breakthrough drugs over profit maximization.

• What is the pharmaceutical industry's defense for high drug prices?

  The pharmaceutical industry defends high drug prices by citing the high cost of developing new drugs. They argue that most experimental drugs never reach the market, and the money ultimately comes from society. Despite claims that most people don't pay list prices for drugs, the industry maintains that the high prices are necessary to cover the costs of research and development.

• How does society ultimately pay for high drug prices?

  Society ultimately pays for high drug prices, as the money to cover these costs comes from various sources within society. Despite claims that most people don't pay list prices for drugs, the expenses associated with high drug prices are distributed throughout society. This means that even if individuals may not directly pay the full price for medications, the overall burden is shared by society as a whole.

• What is the Arnolds' focus in advocating for pharmaceutical pricing reform?

  John and Laura Arnold focus on advocating for pharmaceutical pricing reform by challenging big pharma over high drug prices. They believe that drug companies are exploiting patent laws to block cheaper generic competition and raise prices significantly. The Arnolds advocate for patent system reform and a regulatory structure that incentivizes breakthrough drugs over profit maximization.

• Why is 2019 considered a crucial year for addressing pharmaceutical pricing?

  2019 is considered a crucial year for addressing pharmaceutical pricing due to the pressure on elected officials to act. With the Arnolds challenging big pharma over high drug prices and advocating for patent system reform, there is a growing awareness of the need for change in the pharmaceutical industry. The focus on healthcare and the high cost of drugs has put significant pressure on policymakers to address these issues and work towards solutions that benefit society as a whole.