TED Health Interview: 3 reasons why medications are so expensive in the US | Kiah Williams
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Apr 29, 2025 Dr. Hussain Lalani, a primary care physician at Brigham and Women's Hospital, shares his insights on the staggering costs of medications in the U.S., particularly insulin, which is vastly overpriced despite low production costs. He discusses the complex supply chain and the various stakeholders involved, revealing how patients often suffer due to unaffordable prescriptions. The conversation emphasizes the need for reforms in the patent system to increase competition and improve access to essential drugs, empowering listeners to advocate for more affordable healthcare.
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Patient Lost Job Over Costly Drug
- High drug prices force patients to choose between medications and basic needs like housing and food.
- A patient with severe endometriosis lost her job and insurance due to inability to afford a $400/month medication.
Drivers of U.S. Drug Costs
- Patent systems and lack of national drug price negotiation drive high drug costs in the US.
- Complex pharmaceutical supply chain with opaque money flow also inflates prices.
Recent Insulin Price Drops
- Insulin prices have recently dropped due to policy caps and manufacturer programs.
- Cost reductions led to increased insulin fills, but multiple insulin types can raise monthly patient costs.