Question: Hello Duncan, What are your views about the drugs being developed by drug companies? Do you believe that there are siginificant downsides to this, as one could argue that they are only interested in making as much money as possible.

Duncan Murdock answered on 20 Mar 2010:

Wow, that’s a really tough question. I’d be interested to hear what you think about it too, Lewis. I can understand the arguments against drug companies, and their reputation isn’t helped by scandals and side affects were hear about in the media. However, the pharmaceutical industry is one of the most closely regulated out there (have a search for the ABPI and see for yourself), and that much of the research they do is vital and needs paying for somehow. So I think it’s fair that they should be making profits, as long as there’s reinvestment into research. Lots of drugs are marketed by more than one company under different names (have a look at how much contains paracetamol in a chemist), the competition keeps the prices down, and helps people and the NHS.