"How Pharma Can Fix Its Reputation and Its Business at the Same Time", 3 Feb 2017

The business model of research-based pharmaceutical companies is under significant pressure. Their return on R&D investment has dropped to its lowest levels in decades, and their public reputation in the United States and abroad is worse than ever. One antidote to these problems is to transform “access to medicine” from a relentless activist slogan to a fully-fledged business strategy. By that I mean that pharma companies should develop innovative treatments for pervasive unmet medical needs; avoid corruption, collusion, and other unethical marketing practices; and make sure that their products reach as many patients around the world as possible. This strategy will tap potential growth in emerging markets, limit the risks of misconduct, and improve public trust in the industry...