Genentech owns a patent on tissue plasminogen activator (TPA), which is an enzyme that helps the body break down blood clots. TPA is particularly valuable to cardiac patients, since it often allows heart problems to be treated with medication rather than surgery. Recently, however, firms in the medical industry have come under fire by some members of Congress and the press for charging high prices and earning monopoly profits. a. If the government stripped Genentech and other pharmaceutical firms of their patents, do you think cardiac patients would benefit? Why?
Genentech owns a patent on tissue plasminogen activator (TPA), which is an enzyme that helps the body break down blood clots. TPA is particularly valuable to cardiac patients, since it often allows heart problems to be treated with medication rather than surgery. Recently, however, firms in the medical industry have come under fire by some members of Congress and the press for charging high prices and earning monopoly profits. a. If the government stripped Genentech and other pharmaceutical firms of their patents, do you think cardiac patients would benefit? Why?
Microeconomics: Principles & Policy
14th Edition
ISBN:9781337794992
Author:William J. Baumol, Alan S. Blinder, John L. Solow
Publisher:William J. Baumol, Alan S. Blinder, John L. Solow
Chapter13: Between Competition And Monopoly
Section: Chapter Questions
Problem 9DQ
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Genentech owns a patent on tissue plasminogen activator (TPA), which is an enzyme that helps the body break down blood clots. TPA is particularly valuable to cardiac patients, since it often allows heart problems to be treated with medication rather than surgery. Recently, however, firms in the medical industry have come under fire by some members of Congress and the press for charging high prices and earning
a. If the government stripped Genentech and other pharmaceutical firms of their patents, do you think cardiac patients would benefit? Why?
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