Research shows major Dutch public investments in drug development

Overpriced, a report published today jointly by The Centre for Research on Multinational Corporations (SOMO) and Wemos, examines the extent of Dutch public funding of drug development, through donations, loans and/or investments. This funding occurs both directly by financing development of new medicines, and indirectly through investments made into biotech companies, but channelled through universities, public research bodies, and national and regional investment funds. The report reveals, however, that because no conditions are set on these investments, the Government loses its chance to curb subsequent high drug prices.

Why are (some) medicines so expensive? How are medicines developed in the Netherlands, and how does this system contribute to unequal access to medicines? In our new infographic we explain how the system works and why we think the EU and Dutch government can do more to ensure equal access to medicines for society.