Bloomberg has a nice piece documenting a number of instances in which drug companies have promoted their drugs for uses not approved by the Food and Drug Administration and it harmed or killed patients. The part missing from this discussion is any discussion of the perverse incentives that patent monopolies create for promoting off-label uses. This is a strong argument for using alternative methods for financing research. By contrast, the article indicates that we have to hope that: "that drug companies actually honor the promises they keep making."
If you enjoyed this article, please consider making a tax-deductible donation today. For over 30 years, The American Prospect has delivered independent reporting that exposes corporate power, investigates political corruption, and analyzes threats to our democracy. Unlike many media outlets, we’re not owned by billionaires or corporations—we’re powered by readers like you.
Today’s independent journalism faces unprecedented challenges. Your support makes our reporting possible and keeps our work free and accessible to all. Whether it’s $5 or $50, every contribution helps sustain our nonprofit newsroom.
Join our community of supporters and make a donation today to help keep independent journalism thriving.
Copyright 2025 | The American Prospect, Inc. | All Rights Reserved
