Health care costs in the U.S. are some 18 percent of GNP, nearly double what other rich countries spend. We read of drug therapies that cost $100,000 a year or more, and of drug price increases that are 6 times the rate of inflation, on average, and often much more when mergers reduce competition in the industry. Is this a major driver of excessive health care costs? Or is it a by-product of the huge costs of getting new drugs approved? Has big pharma delivered drugs that reduce the need for costly surgeries, which extend life and improve its quality? Or do they deserve the blame that has been leveled against them?

In support of the motion:

• Dr. Zeke Emanuel, Fmr. Chair of Bioethics, National Institutes of Health
• Neera Tanden, President,  Center for American Progress

Opposing the motion:

• Lori Reilly, Executive Vice President, Pharmaceutical Research & Manufacturers of America
• Paul Howard, Director of Health Policy, Manhattan Institute

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This debate is presented in partnership with the Adam Smith Society by IQ2US. A nonpartisan, nonprofit organization, Intelligence Squared U.S. was founded in 2006 to restore civility, reasoned analysis, and constructive public discourse to today's often biased media landscape. IQ2US has presented more than 120 debates on a wide range of provocative and timely topics. From clean energy and the financial crisis, to the Middle East and the death of mainstream media, IQ2US brings together the world’s leading authorities on the most important issues of the day.

IQ2US health care debates are also generously supported by Thomas Campbell Jackson.