Introduction

Idea Collider is a show that explores the world of asymmetrical learning. In this episode Mike talks with John Lamattener on his book, Farmer and Profits. The author defends the profit incentive in pharma but also how it works and how it doesn't work so well.

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Transcript

Episode notes

In this incredible episode, Mike Rea is joined by Dr. John L. LaMattina. John is the former Senior Vice President of Pfizer Inc and President of Pfizer Global Research & Development. Additionally, he is a senior partner at PureTech Health and an author. He talks about the misconception about Pfizer’s profiteering from the pandemic and the drug pricing in America.

John also discusses how Gilead’s Sovaldi drug for hepatitis C became overpriced in the US and the effects of insurance companies on the drug market. Moreover, he talks about the misinformation about insulin and its pricing, NIH’s role in drug discovery research, and the profitability of the pharma industry.

Tune in!

During this episode, you will learn about;

[00:22] Introduction to the show

[0:42] Know our guest; Dr. John L. LaMattina, and why he has authored his books

[04:58] Misconception about Pfizer’s profiteering from the pandemic

[08:13] Drug pricing in America

[12:35] Gilead’s Sovaldi drug for hepatitis C and how it became overpriced in the US more than in other countries

[19:57] The cost-effectiveness of PCSK9 in regulating (low-density lipoprotein) LDL cholesterol

[21:42] Effect the insurance companies have had on the drug market

[26:09] Value of the ‘me-too’ drugs

[30:01] The inefficiency of the flu vaccines

[33:03] The funding for early-stage mRNA vaccines