In this incredible episode, Mike Rea is joined by Dr. John L. LaMattina. John is the former Senior Vice President of Pfizer Inc and President of Pfizer Global Research & Development. Additionally, he is a senior partner at PureTech Health and an author. He talks about the misconception about Pfizer’s profiteering from the pandemic and the drug pricing in America.
John also discusses how Gilead’s Sovaldi drug for hepatitis C became overpriced in the US and the effects of insurance companies on the drug market. Moreover, he talks about the misinformation about insulin and its pricing, NIH’s role in drug discovery research, and the profitability of the pharma industry.
Tune in!
During this episode, you will learn about;
[00:22] Introduction to the show
[0:42] Know our guest; Dr. John L. LaMattina, and why he has authored his books
[04:58] Misconception about Pfizer’s profiteering from the pandemic
[08:13] Drug pricing in America
[12:35] Gilead’s Sovaldi drug for hepatitis C and how it became overpriced in the US more than in other countries
[19:57] The cost-effectiveness of PCSK9 in regulating (low-density lipoprotein) LDL cholesterol
[21:42] Effect the insurance companies have had on the drug market
[26:09] Value of the ‘me-too’ drugs
[30:01] The inefficiency of the flu vaccines
[33:03] The funding for early-stage mRNA vaccines
[34:23] The input of the FDA and CDC in the manufacture of mRNA vaccines
[37:46] What is NIH’s role in drug discovery research?
[38:13] The process and cost of drug discovery; from idea to getting the drug approved
[42:39] Misinformation about insulin and its pricing
[47:21] Is the value vs. affordability of medicines a reputation challenge or a commercial challenge for the industry?
[51:31] What’s the profitability of the pharma industry?
[59:48] Recommended reading
[01:02:38] How to connect with us
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Resources Mentioned
Book; Pharma and Profits by John L. LaMattina
Book; Devalued and Distrusted by John L. LaMattina
Book; Drug Truths by John L. LaMattina
Book; The Great American Drug Deal by Peter Kolchinsky
Let’s Connect!
Website: https://www.johnlamattina.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/john_lamattina
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-lamattina-2985a9b/
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