Readers React: Why should Big Pharma have to justify its prices?

To the editor: David Lazarus thinks drug companies should have to justify their prices, disclosing production costs, research and development costs and price discounts offered to select customers. (“Obama’s budget includes healthcare proposals that could change everything for consumers,” Feb. 16)

Why stop with the drug companies? Why not force Apple to justify the price of their iPhones, Mercedes to say why it charges what it does for its cars, and The Times to explain its price for the newspaper?

While we’re at it, let’s have The Times disclose the salary paid to Lazarus so we readers can determine whether the amount he receives above the minimum necessary to pay for basic food, clothing and shelter is justified.

Gerry Swider, Sherman Oaks

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