Pharmaceutical Marketing

Study: "Me-too" drugs make-up 2/3 of new products http://www.nytimes.com/2002/05/29/business/29DRUG.html?todaysheadlines

I wish that this proved anything more significant than the responsibility of companies to their shareholders, which is mandated by law, if I'm not mistaken.

Another phenomenon that wasn't really explored in the article is the fact that drugs are coming off patent, making them cheaper than the new top of the line drug in their class. Who insists on having the newest and best product in a class of long-standing winners? The consumer does, because they respond to pharmaceutical marketing.

Where does the responsibility in picking the most cost-effective product lie? With the doctor.