In possibly the best argument for a regulated, free market versus absolute free market, I refer you to this from my local news.
WLKY mobile feed
for those who have issues pulling up the link, the short story is that many Children's Hospitals, and pharmacies are facing a critical shortage of the chemotherapy drug, Methotrexate, a generic drug that helps to save 90% of children with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia(ALL). The Problem? Methotrexate is a generic with no profit motive (cost $1.58 a vial), so the main supplier of this drug in the US market suspended production in November, and hospitals now have about a 2 week supply. The requested action? For now please visit Cure Search for Children's Cancer to send a letter to your Congress critters. Over the jump, additional details on both this story and reasons this occurred.
Middle schooler Owen McMasters loves playing video games and sports but, four months ago the 12-year-old's normal life took a tragic turn. "One night my mom was checking me out and she felt enlarged lymph nodes all over my neck," Owen said.
Owen was diagnosed with ALL (Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia in Nov. Tragically the same month US manufacture of the drug that could save his life was suspended in the same month, due to it being a low margin generic drug. His father in a tragic twist of irony is a
surgical oncologist.
"I'm a surgeon so, if there's a problem I'm used to cutting it out and I can't fix this one by cutting it out."
Now, ignoring some of the conservative dogwhistling that his mother makes in the article,
His mom Beth added, "Government wants to get involved all over the place and this is the place it's needed."
her son deserves and is requesting our help.
The Make A Wish Foundation recently asked Owen if he had a hero he would like to meet or a fun trip he would like to take. Owen told us, "For my Make A Wish, I just want to solve this Methotrexate shortage." He hopes by getting the word out other people will help kids like him by contacting their lawmakers.
Now,
WE know that profits come before people in today's pharma industry and the FDA does have emergency authority to import from overseas suppliers, but additional action is requested. Please visit
Cure Search to help Owen fulfill his Make A Wish, thanks.