Posted by Ritch on March 5, 2003, at 22:01:22
In reply to Re: Why is Provigil so expensive? » Ritch, posted by Jack Smith on March 5, 2003, at 13:27:57
Jack, I read that here (the military using it). There was a post about the Canadian families that were suing pilots related to the "friendly fire" incident in Afghanistan. Pilots routinely use dexedrine (willingly-but they are encouraged to use it), to help stay awake and alert on long missions. They dropped the bombs by mistake and killed Allied soldiers. The pilots lawyers were claiming that the dexedrine messed up their judgement and the military leadership was responsible for the deaths (not the pilots) for encouraging dexedrine usage (and providing the dexedrine). The Provigil thing I read said they found it longer lasting (from what I can remember).--Mitch
> Some good thoughts Ritch. Even with its narrow indication, I still tend to think that the company would make more money with a lower price. Provigil is VERY expensive to the point that most insurance companies require some sort of prior authorization just to prescribe it--that can't be good for business. Again basic economics just seems to say that a lower price would lead to more profits, even though its a monopoly.
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> The one thing you say that does point to a "logical" answer is that the government is buying it in large quantities, then I would totally believe the drug company is pricing it up because they know the government will just about spend anything in the name of "national security." Where did you hear this, I'd be interested to know.
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> Also, anyone know when the patent expires??
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> JACK
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> > Jack, that is a very good question. My bet is that it *isn't* that expensive to manufacture and the reason they price it so high is because the indication is rather narrow (narcolepsy). No obesity, ADHD, depression indications. That restricts the number of scripts that can be written by quite a bit (despite off-label use). It is like a new flat-panel HDTV with no cable HDTV to use with it (restricted demand). OH, there's another thing-I heard the military is buying quite a bit of the stuff-with our tax money.
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poster:Ritch
thread:205798
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20030301/msgs/206295.html