CU6 - ASX Charts, page-1247

The US has a real problem . Fix the current system so there is one entity instead of thousands of disparate entities , to negotiate drug prices . However they have to recognize that this broken system, that basically lets big Pharma set prices as it wishes, is causally linked to Biotech investment due to the big profit from commercialisation. Perhaps they will decide to pass on some of the high cost of the drugs to overseas buyers to make up that profit and or increase patent terms but tthe latter is difficult given it is relatively easy to extend patents currently. The US biotech index has fallen sharply in the last week and I do not see that settling until the plans for it are clearer. Investors take on a huge risk given the extended high risk ,approval process and it is particularly difficult for smaller companies like our small Biotech innovators who need to attract investors while they do not have impressive revenue from commercialialised drugs and have to wait for profitability for many years. Limiting innovation to big pharma if the profitability becomes a turn off , is not a good idea as new innovating companies bring invaluable new ideas and breakthroughs with fresh perspectives. They have to acome up with fairer prices while not reducing innovation from both big pharma and small companies .