health
Hate Big Pharma all you like, it still might save your life
In Focus delivers deeper coverage of the political, cultural, and ideological issues shaping America. Published daily by senior writers and experts, these in-depth pieces go beyond the headlines to give readers the full picture. You can find our full list of In Focus pieces here.
TL;DR
- Eli Lilly is developing a gene-editing treatment that significantly lowers bad cholesterol.
- Revolution Medicines has announced successful trials for a pill that extends survival for advanced pancreatic cancer patients.
- The Mayo Clinic has developed an AI-powered system for early detection of pancreatic cancer.
- Moderna and Merck are testing an experimental mRNA vaccine that reduces the recurrence of fatal skin cancer.
- Cancer survival rates in the U.S. have dramatically improved over the past 30 years.
- Eli Lilly is also developing a weight-loss and diabetes medication targeting three hormone receptors with significant results.
- The high cost of drugs is a primary driver of public animosity towards Big Pharma.
- Developing new drugs is a lengthy and expensive process, with a high failure rate in clinical trials.
- The anti-vaccine movement is described as self-destructive and dangerous.
- The U.S. pharmaceutical industry is a global leader in medical innovation.