Today, Explained The cost of PrEP
Dec 12, 2019
Shefali Lutra, a healthcare and health policy reporter for Kaiser Health News, dives into the contentious issue of PrEP drug pricing. She discusses how high costs affect access for at-risk individuals, particularly in the LGBTQ community. The conversation sheds light on Gilead's monopolistic practices and the ongoing struggles faced by the uninsured and underinsured. Lutra also critiques the U.S. drug pricing landscape and legislative efforts that aim to make essential medications more accessible while addressing the balance between pharmaceutical profits and public health.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Life Before and After PrEP
- Alex Abad-Santos reflects on the fear surrounding AIDS in the 90s.
- PrEP offers a sense of relief and protection.
PrEP's Pricing Controversy
- Gilead, the manufacturer of PrEP, faces criticism for its pricing practices.
- Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Bernie Sanders accuse Gilead of prioritizing profits over access to life-saving medication.
The Two Sides of PrEP
- PrEP, a preventative HIV treatment, has two versions: Truvada and Descovy.
- These drugs are significantly cheaper in other countries, costing as little as $6 a month compared to $2,000 in the US.