Jerry Avorn

Sara Leila Sherman, a musician and educator, discusses how music impacts our brains and enhances emotional awareness. She explains how intentional music choices can boost focus and productivity. Dr. Jerry Avorn, a Harvard medical professor, provides insights into the drug approval process, critiquing its complexities and the FDA's role in medication safety. He highlights the need for accountability and a better understanding of drug risks. Together, they explore the fascinating intersection of music and medicine, revealing their profound effects on our daily lives.

In this insightful discussion, Jerry Avorn, a Harvard physician-researcher and author of 'Rethinking Medications,' uncovers the flaws in the FDA's drug approval processes, particularly the Accelerated Approval Program. He highlights how many medications are rushed to market without proven benefits, including ineffective cold and cancer treatments. Avorn critiques the reliance on surrogate measures for effectiveness, using the controversial Alzheimer’s drug Aduhelm as a key example. He also emphasizes the need for transparency in drug pricing and informed patient choices.

Joined by Dr. Jerry Avorn, a Harvard professor and drug policy expert, and Sarah Emond, CEO of ICER and a health technology assessment authority, the discussion dives deep into the new TrumpRx initiative. They analyze how U.S. drug prices soar due to lack of government negotiation. The duo shares insights on the implications of Pfizer’s Medicaid commitments and whether anyone benefits from these discounts. Emond explains how other countries, like the UK, manage to set lower prices, suggesting a need for independent value assessments in the U.S.