[TidalBore]

You are partially right ... but you forgot that hidden element called "Corporate Welfare". That is what angers American citizens... Why should taxpayers have to pay on both ends? Companies are subsidized to keep costs down, or so we are told. But those companies that take your tax dollars to develop those medications have to make a profit before the patent runs out and they stick it to you every time.

[maui_hawaii]

but you forgot that hidden element called "Corporate Welfare".

Can you give examples of this? I mean real ones.

[CMAC51]

...But those companies that take your tax dollars to develop those medications have to make a profit before the patent runs out and they stick it to you every time.

You had it right before you veered off at the end. The companies must make a profit. A major drug company exists because of the Billions of dollars that investors have invested in the companies stock. If the company cannot provide an adequate return on that investment, the investors pull their money and the company no longer exists. It is a pretty simple equation. It is how the capitalist system works. As far as sticking it to you, if it is your dollar invested, what would you consider a reasonable return for the risk you are taking? After you figure out that number, identify which drug companies are returning a higher rate then that. Those are the ones that are either sticking it to you or offering you a wonderful investment opportunity...it's your call.