it does cost $30 to make an epipen. However. It needs to be proved to work, which is rightly arduous. Unlike in (most)software, you can just fix it later. Def

it does cost $30 to make an epipen. However. It needs to be proved to work, which is rightly arduous. Unlike in (most)software, you can just fix it later. Defects kill. There needs to be a high bar of evidence to prove that: A) the drug works B) It doesn't cause your face to melt off C) its reliable. All of this is costly, Now, you have two choices, nationalise your drug R&D and charge a uniform cost spread over all drug classes, or through general taxation. Or Sweep away all your regulations on drug prices and start again. (like why the fuck is medicaid not allowed to collectively bargain on price? that's taxpayer subsidy right there...) In the UK there is a thing called NICE, which is semi autonomous and run by people who can understand stats (ie not politicians) its job is to evaluate the cost of drugs, and crucially the effectiveness of all drugs prescribed within the NHS. Is the drug actually effective? (sure 50% more powerful, but it costs 190%, just double up the old one, etc etc) does it provide value for money? is it safe? are all the questions they ask. If a drug fails the tests its either written out of guidelines, or more unusually its banned.