So are they even trying to find a cure for cancer?

[DSM4Life]

I realize that you feel strongly about this issue, but please don't automatically disregard my post because of your emotions. I gave you a thoughtful reply and you read one half of my argument before responding.

I didn't discard it. I took in what you said and I do get a little emotional because these drug companies screw up peoples lives/family lives all the time. I guess a lot of anger comes from the medical industry but that is a whole other topic.

When you say companies want a good reputation I call that "old timer mentality." I feel that's how it use to be. People took pride in being able to help others. Google the guy who figured out polio and gave it away for free. He is a true hero in my eyes. I feel these drug companys are run like business and it all comes down to the al mighty dollar. It makes me sick when I think about it.

[tjax03]

I didn't discard it. I took in what you said and I do get a little emotional because these drug companies screw up peoples lives/family lives all the time. I guess a lot of anger comes from the medical industry but that is a whole other topic.

When you say companies want a good reputation I call that "old timer mentality." I feel that's how it use to be. People took pride in being able to help others. Google the guy who figured out polio and gave it away for free. He is a true hero in my eyes. I feel these drug companys are run like business and it all comes down to the al mighty dollar. It makes me sick when I think about it.

I see where you are coming from. The reason I said you disregarded my post is becuase you said I was 100% wrong. I know I am not entirely correct, but I don't think you are either. The methods of capitalism and altruism seldom agree with each other. I can only give my perspective as someone who plans on entering the world you despise. Next year I will be beginning my studies for both an MD and a PhD and I plan on doing research on pharmacology/medicinal chemistry and practicing clinical medicine. My research interests may very well lead me to work for a pharm company at some point in my life. However, I can say that my primary motivation for doing so is not to make money. I am simply fascinated by the mechanisms of disease, and I want to create effective drugs for people suffering from illness. I feel that there are very many people working for these companies who are similar minded. Most people who enter the research profession do not do so for the purposes of monetary gain. There are far better options out there for that which require far less education. Maybe I am naive in thinking that there are other similar minded people, but I doubt it. I am not denying that there are greedy executive types involved, but they are not the sole operators in this industry.
There are many factors for the way things are nowadays. The reason that drug companies are run like a business is because they are businesses. Is this the ideal system. Of course not. But its all we have right now. If the companies can't make a profit then they can't support the enormous costs of research and development. However just because this is what they need to do to stay afloat doesn't make them evil. You are right this issue does expand to the problems with the medical system so I will stop here so as not to keep rambling on. Just trying to give my perspective as a not so soon to be insider.

[DSM4Life]

I see where you are coming from. The reason I said you disregarded my post is becuase you said I was 100% wrong. I know I am not entirely correct, but I don't think you are either. The methods of capitalism and altruism seldom agree with each other. I can only give my perspective as someone who plans on entering the world you despise. Next year I will be beginning my studies for both an MD and a PhD and I plan on doing research on pharmacology/medicinal chemistry and practicing clinical medicine. My research interests may very well lead me to work for a pharm company at some point in my life. However, I can say that my primary motivation for doing so is not to make money. I am simply fascinated by the mechanisms of disease, and I want to create effective drugs for people suffering from illness. I feel that there are very many people working for these companies who are similar minded. Most people who enter the research profession do not do so for the purposes of monetary gain. There are far better options out there for that which require far less education. Maybe I am naive in thinking that there are other similar minded people, but I doubt it. I am not denying that there are greedy executive types involved, but they are not the sole operators in this industry.
There are many factors for the way things are nowadays. The reason that drug companies are run like a business is because they are businesses. Is this the ideal system. Of course not. But its all we have right now. If the companies can't make a profit then they can't support the enormous costs of research and development. However just because this is what they need to do to stay afloat doesn't make them evil. You are right this issue does expand to the problems with the medical system so I will stop here so as not to keep rambling on. Just trying to give my perspective as a not so soon to be insider.

The "100%" was a little strong but I get so upset about this topic. Wish we had more people in the field with your same mindset. I hope it all works out for you.