Cortez Journal Archives: The Public's Investment in Drug Discovery

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) plays a crucial role in the discovery of new drugs, and it's no secret that academic science also contributes significantly to this process. However, when these discoveries are handed over to for-profit companies, the public often receives little to no return on their investment.

In an exchange during a recent House hearing, Congresswoman Alexandra Ocasio-Cortez questioned Dr. Aaron Kesselheim of Harvard about the NIH's role in drug development. 'So the public is acting as an early investor, putting tons of money in the development of drugs that then become privatized, and then they receive no return on the investment that they have made,' Ocasio-Cortez said.

Kesselheim responded by stating that in most cases, there are no licensing deals that bring money back into the NIH's coffers when these products are handed over to for-profit companies. This means that the public is essentially acting as an early investor in the production of these drugs without receiving any direct return on their investment.

The concept of the public as an early investor is a crucial one, and it highlights the need for a more transparent and equitable system for drug development. As Ocasio-Cortez pointed out, this process allows private companies to profit from research that was funded by taxpayer dollars, without providing any direct return on that investment.

The issue of drug pricing is also closely tied to this topic, as many people struggle to afford the medications they need due to high prices. However, it's essential to recognize that drug discovery and development are complex processes that involve significant investment from both public and private sources.

As we continue to grapple with these issues, it's crucial to acknowledge the role of the NIH in advancing our understanding of human health and disease. By shining a light on the ways in which taxpayer dollars are used to fund research, we can work towards creating a more equitable system that benefits everyone involved – including the public, private companies, and most importantly, patients who rely on these medications for their health and well-being.

Cortez journal archives