Outrageous Pricing of Viibryd Sparks Controversy

Key Takeaways

• The lack of regulatory oversight and pricing disparities in the United States contribute to the high cost of medication compared to other countries.

• Marketing costs and the profit motive of pharmaceutical companies drive up the prices of drugs like Viibryd.

• Viibryd's effectiveness is comparable to other drugs in the same class, yet marketing costs, research, and patent protection drive its high price.

• Buying Viibryd from international online pharmacies like Planetdrugsdirect.com offers a significantly lower price than purchasing it in the United States.

Lack of Regulatory Oversight and Pricing Disparities

Due to the lack of regulatory oversight and pricing disparities in the United States, the cost of medication such as Viibryd, remains significantly higher compared to other developed countries. Unlike most developed countries, the United States lacks a regulatory framework for challenging drug makers in pricing, which has systems to negotiate drug prices. Single-payer systems in other countries allow governments to negotiate prices aggressively; some even have caps on drug companies' charges. As a result, Americans pay more for medication compared to citizens of other countries. This is particularly evident in the case of Viibryd, which costs $347 for a 30-day supply in the US, with no generic available—in comparison, purchasing Viibryd through Planetdrugsdirect.com costs as low as $228.99 for the same supply, also with a generic alternative of 50 tablets for $108.99. This pricing disparity highlights the need for regulatory oversight and measures to address the high medication cost in the United States.

Marketing Costs and Profit Motive

The impact of high medication costs, such as Viibryd cost alone, in the United States is further compounded by their significant investment in marketing and profit margins. Companies invest heavily in marketing efforts to promote drugs and capture market share. In 2016 alone, companies spent an estimated $30 billion on drug advertising. They target consumers through direct-to-consumer advertising and healthcare professionals, such as psychiatrists, through sales representatives. These marketing costs, research and development expenses, and patent protection contribute to the high prices of medications like Viibryd. Moreover, companies are driven by profit motives, aiming to generate returns for their owners and shareholders. The demand for mental health drugs creates a lucrative market, allowing companies to charge higher prices. This profit motive further exacerbates the high medication costs in the United States.

Impact of Mental Illness and Viibryd's Effectiveness

Mental illness affects a significant portion of the American population, and Viibryd's effectiveness in treating major depressive disorder is a topic of interest. With over 47 million Americans suffering from mental health disorders, the demand for effective medications is high. Viibryd, a new drug for treating major depressive disorder, has been granted a patent for 20 years, allowing the creators to charge high prices. However, the FDA has not found significant advantages or side effects of Viibryd over other drugs in the same class. Despite its effectiveness comparable to different medications, patients must still pay exorbitant prices. This highlights the need for accessible and affordable mental health treatments, as individuals with mental illness deserve affordable options to improve their well-being.

Research and Development and Patent Law

The drug development process, including research and development (R&D) and patent law, plays a significant role in shaping the pharmaceutical industry and pricing medications. Pharmaceutical companies invest a substantial portion of their budget into R&D, with the average time to win FDA approval being 7.3 years and the median cost of R&D for a drug being $648 million. These costs and the need to recoup investment and profit contribute to high drug prices. Additionally, pharmaceutical companies hold patents on new drugs for 20 years, which allows them to have a monopoly over the market and charge high prices. To promote competition and lower drug prices, patent system reform is needed.

Buying Affordable Viibryd and Planetdrugsdirect.com

The availability of affordable alternatives for Viibryd and the convenience of purchasing it from Planetdrugsdirect.com can provide potential options for individuals seeking more affordable medication. Viibryd, a medication used to treat major depressive disorder, is known for its high price in the United States. However, Planetdrugsdirect.com offers a significantly lower price for a 30-day supply of Viibryd at $108.99 for the generic version. Our partners with government-approved dispensaries to ship to countries around the globe are highly reviewed and have a five-star rating, ensuring savings, safety, and service. Customers can rely on Planetdrugsdirect.com for convenient shipping and customer support. By purchasing Viibryd from one of our reputable partners with government-approved dispensaries, individuals can save money while still receiving the medication they need. It is important to note that professional medical advice should always be sought before taking any medication.