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Even with patent protection, there's only direct incentive to develop new drugs for rich people, who can pay for them---which is why you don't see as much resea
by blahedo 17y ago
Even with patent protection, there's only direct incentive to develop new drugs for rich people, who can pay for them---which is why you don't see as much research on medicines for malaria as, say, erectile dysfunction.
- hugh3 17y agoIs that true? Is there really less research on medicines for malaria than erectile dysfunction? I've met a whole bunch of malaria researchers, but never an erectile dysfunction researcher.
- cma 17y agoIt is clear from the context that he is talking about private-market research, not NSF funded university research, etc.
- stretchwithme 17y agogood point I would also argue that a lot of people invest in finding a solution to problems that affect themselves or loved ones without any thought to the possible financial return. The cure is what they want and its worth spending money to obtain.