Answered by Vox Season 1 Episode 29 Why Covid19 Treatments Will Cost More in the US

Answered by Vox is a show that attempts to answer some of the most pressing questions in the world. In season 1 episode 29, the show explores the reasons behind why Covid19 treatments will cost more in the United States.

The episode starts with a recap of the Covid19 pandemic, highlighting how it has affected the world and the steps being taken to combat it. It then transitions into the main topic of why Covid19 treatments will be expensive in the US.

The show explains that pharmaceutical companies spend billions of dollars on research and development to create drugs. They do this in the hope that they will eventually be able to create a drug that will be approved by the FDA and be able to generate a profit. Covid19 treatments are being fast-tracked through the FDA approval process, but the costs of developing these treatments are still high.

The high costs of drug development are one of the main reasons why drugs are expensive in the US. Pharma companies also argue that healthcare is more expensive in the US than in other countries, which forces them to charge more for their drugs. The show gives examples of drugs like Remdesivir that are used to treat Covid19, and how much they cost in different countries. While other countries have been able to negotiate lower prices for these drugs, the US has not been able to do so.

Another reason why Covid19 treatments will be expensive in the US is due to the complicated healthcare system. The show explains that the US healthcare system is fragmented, which makes it difficult for people to know how much they will have to pay for their treatments. Insurance companies in the US also negotiate lower prices for drugs, which makes it difficult for pharma companies to generate profits.

Answered by Vox also explores other factors that are affecting the prices of Covid19 treatments. The show goes into detail about patent laws and how they protect pharma companies' investments in their intellectual property. Patent exclusivity is a significant factor that allows pharma companies to recoup their development costs and generate profits.

The show also touches on the role of government in drug pricing. The US government is one of the largest purchasers of drugs in the country and has a lot of influence on pricing. However, the government is not allowed to negotiate prices for its purchases, which puts it at a disadvantage. This inability to negotiate prices has resulted in higher costs for government programs such as Medicare and Medicaid.

The final segment of the show looks at possible solutions to the high cost of Covid19 treatments. The show suggests that drug prices should be regulated, and there should be more transparency in the healthcare system. They also suggest that the government should negotiate drug prices and that pharmaceutical companies should be more open about their drug pricing.

In conclusion, Answered by Vox season 1 episode 29 is an informative and insightful show that delves into the reasons why Covid19 treatments will be expensive in the US. The show presents a comprehensive analysis of the factors behind the high cost of Covid19 treatments, including the high cost of drug development, the fragmented healthcare system, and patent laws. It also looks at possible solutions to the problem, such as the regulation of drug prices and more transparency in the healthcare system. This episode is a must-watch for anyone who wants to understand the issue of high drug prices in the US.