The FDA and Drug Pricing: A Balancing Act

This chapter explores the intricate dynamics of the FDA's drug approval processes, emphasizing the challenges of ensuring medication safety while also addressing high prescription drug costs. Insights from a former FDA employee reveal potential conflicts of interest arising from the agency's funding model and the impact of patent laws on drug pricing. The discussion highlights the tension between public investment in drug research and the resulting inaccessible prices for patients, questioning the integrity of the pharmaceutical industry's influence on regulatory practices.