Date: 5/07/24
Name of podcast: Dr. Patient
Episode title and number: 18 US Drug Costs Are Insane, Part 1

Episode summary: Wow, drug costs in the US have skyrocket in recent years. The popularity of Ozempic and other weight loss drugs have really brought this issue into the light lately. Why do our drugs cost so much more than the same medications sold in other countries? How is the system set up? Who sets the list price? Hear answers to all these questions and more in this episode, part 1 of a 2 part series.

Guest(s): none

Key Terms: none

References:
CONVOLUTED DIAGRAM OF US DRUG COSTS: https://www.wbur.org/onpoint/2023/12/14/pharmacy-benefit-managers-the-middleman-that-decides-what-you-pay-for-medications
Flow of Money Through the Pharmaceutical Distribution System: https://healthpolicy.usc.edu/research/flow-of-money-through-the-pharmaceutical-distribution-system/
Why do your prescription drugs cost so much: https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/why-do-your-prescription-drugs-cost-so-much-202401183007
Prescription Drug Payment Policy: Past, Present and Future: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4193453/
Here's How Much More Ozempic Costs in the U.S. Compared to Other Countries: https://www.healthline.com/health-news/heres-how-much-more-ozempic-costs-in-the-u-s-compared-to-other-countries
Bernie Sanders's letter to Novo Nordisk CEO: https://www.sanders.senate.gov/wp-content/uploads/Letter-from-Sen.-Bernard-Sanders-to-Novo-Nordisk.pdf
Pharmacy Benefit Management (PBM) Industry: Definition: https://www.investopedia.com/articles/markets/070215/what-pharmacy-benefit-management-industry.asp