The Jordan Harbinger Show 709: John Abramson | How Big Pharma Broke American Health Care
Aug 9, 2022
Dr. John Abramson, a Harvard Medical School physician and author, dives into the troubling relationship between Big Pharma and American healthcare. He reveals how the U.S. spends over $1.6 trillion on healthcare yet ranks low in health quality. Abramson highlights the industry's profit-centric priorities, including controlling clinical trials and withholding critical data. He also discusses the need for reform to shift focus from profits to patient care, emphasizing lifestyle choices over pharmaceuticals for better health outcomes.
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Humira vs. Methotrexate
- Humira, a costly rheumatoid arthritis drug, is heavily advertised despite a cheaper, equally effective alternative.
- Methotrexate offers similar benefits at a fraction of the cost.
Hijacked Evidence-Based Medicine
- Drug companies fund, analyze, and write up most research, controlling data access.
- Peer reviewers and journal editors lack access to underlying data, hindering proper evaluation.
Bextra Litigation and Pfizer Fine
- Dr. Abramson's expert testimony in Bextra litigation revealed data discrepancies.
- This led to Pfizer's record $1.195 billion criminal fine, though no individuals faced jail time.
