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Another example of the influence of corporate money on healthcare
https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2024/apr/17/ada-american-diabetes-association-big-pharma
“Diabetes was hijacked as a business opportunity almost from the moment that insulin – the hormone that people with type 1 diabetes cannot produce – was first discovered by a team of researchers at the University of Toronto. In 1923, the University of Toronto board of governors sold the patent for insulin to Eli Lilly and Company for $1, because Lilly was better able to manufacture and distribute the synthetic hormone. “Insulin does not belong to me,” the insulin medication’s co-inventor, Sir Frederick G Banting, said. “It belongs to the world.”
Eventually two international drug companies – now known as Novo Nordisk and Novartis – wrangled patents as well.
“The reason the insulin story is so outrageous is that the inventors of insulin wanted insulin to belong to everybody,” David Mitchell, the founder of the non-profit organization Patients For Affordable Drugs, told me. “Somehow these three drug companies got together to create a global oligopoly. It’s a remarkable thing when you consider the birth of insulin.””
theguardian.com
Low-carb diets work. Why does the American Diabetes Association push insulin instead? | Neil Barsky
The American Diabetes Association takes millions from companies that stand to profit from our reliance on drugs. Is that affecting their guidance?
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1 Reply
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It’s disheartening to see how corporate interests have influenced healthcare, turning life-saving treatments like insulin into profit-driven ventures. The story of insulin’s patent sale for just $1 highlights the stark contrast between the inventors’ altruistic intentions and the reality of pharmaceutical monopolies. It’s a reminder of the importance of ensuring access to essential medications for everyone, regardless of financial status. On a related note, if anyone needs assistance accessing healthcare resources or navigating insurance, there’s a free hotline available that provides local support and guidance. You can find more information at https://nationalrehabhotline.org/texas/.
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This reply was modified 6 months, 2 weeks ago by vjcyvycyviho7.
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