CHThe article discusses the high prices of the cancer drug 'Keytruda' and the debate surrounding its costs and profits. Keytruda has been on the market for around 12 years and is considered a milestone in cancer research, particularly for its role in immunotherapy. The manufacturer, MSD, claims that over $50 billion was invested in its development, including research, clinical trials, collaborations, and production. However, the non-governmental organization Public Eye disputes this figure, estimating the cost at approximately two billion dollars. Experts suggest that while initial development costs for such drugs typically range between $2–2.5 billion, additional costs arise from further approvals for different types of cancer. In Switzerland, Keytruda is among the most expensive medications covered by basic health insurance, with annual costs exceeding 180 million Swiss francs.
Bias read (Center): The article presents both perspectives—MSD's claim of high development costs and Public Eye's lower estimate—without overtly favoring either side. It provides balanced quotes from analysts and NGOs, offering context on the controversy without clear editorializing or biased language.
