From the article: "The median price increase overall was 25.8%. Generic drugs, specifically, had higher increases, with a median rise of 37.6%" Given that the

From the article: "The median price increase overall was 25.8%. Generic drugs, specifically, had higher increases, with a median rise of 37.6%" Given that the US inflation levels are single digits, this obviously looks egregious but I'd be a lot more satisfied with the article if it gave data on/considered the following: - Typically inflation takes into account goods. What about the R&D costs which are driven by both goods, people's salaries and other factors? Were they well above inflation? - It might be that conditions were favourable for a big increase and the costs will stay flat for a few more years (I won't bet on this!) - Finally, any company which prices its goods and services just above inflation is bound to be held in low esteem by its shareholders. After all, if investors wanted returns just above inflation, they'd be buying bonds! The risks associated with equity should be well compensated by the company and this might have prompted the companies to take this course of action.