NPR

Prescription Drug Costs Driven By Manufacturer Price Hikes, Not Innovation

A recent study shows the cost of brand-name drugs is rising — not because of expensive new therapies entering the market but because manufacturers are raising prices on existing drugs.
While some new drugs entering the market are driving up prices for consumers, drug companies are also hiking prices on older drugs.

The skyrocketing cost of many prescription drugs in the U.S. can be blamed primarily on price increases, not expensive new therapies or improvements in existing medications as drug companies frequently claim, a new study shows.

, published Monday in the journal,found that the cost of brand-name oral prescription drugs rose more than 9 percent a year from 2008 and 2016, while the annual cost of injectable drugs rose more than

You’re reading a preview, subscribe to read more.

More from NPR

NPR5 min readIndustries
China Makes Cheap Electric Vehicles. Why Can't American Shoppers Buy Them?
American drivers want cheap EVs. Chinese automakers are building them. But you can't buy them in the U.S., thanks to tariffs in the name of U.S. jobs and national security. Two car shoppers weigh in.
NPR5 min read
In 'The Fall Guy,' Stunts Finally Get The Spotlight
For years, Hollywood's behind-the-scenes action heroes have been pushing for an Oscars category to honor their work. Many hope The Fall Guy will make it a reality.
NPR7 min read
Unions Double-down In The Deep South: Can Alabama Pave The Way?
Three high-profile labor disputes have unfolded in central Alabama over the past several years, with Amazon warehouse workers, coal miners and autoworkers all speaking out for change.

Related Books & Audiobooks