[bmer]

> You think academia know how to optimize structure? Bulk manufacturer? Organize clinical trials across the globe? Check all the regulatory boxes?

Yes? That is literally where the standards for these things are developed, and constantly tested? For example: the techniques for optimizing structure? Developed in academia. Bulk manufacturing? Reliant on tons of science, engineering, and mathematics, that was developed in academia.

[whearyou]

Then you would be mistaken. The proficiency in these tasks and the cost of their execution is borne by Pharma.

Regulatory capture etc is quite real and toxic. But this eat the rich stuff is getting a little out of hand.

[bmer]

I don't understand, where does eat the rich come in here? Academia is usually made up of people who are (relatively) rich and privileged. This has nothing to do with "eat the rich", and everything to do with answering the question: "who bears the costs?", or more appropriately "who pays the bills?".

Answering with the "tax payer" does not now imply that capitalism is evil, and corporations are awful, etc. etc. Rather, it should sober businesses, and remind them that they are part of a system. They need consumers, and consumers need them. Hurting consumers by maintaining unfair prices ultimately comes full circle, and will hurt them, in the long run, even if they profit in the short term.

Of course, our businesses tend not to think about the long term too much, but again, this has nothing to do with "eating the rich", but everything to do with pondering human hubris.