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Is market exclusivity for patent holders releasing new drugs a net good for consumer access to medication or not? If not via market exclusivity, how else can phamaceutical companies' need for sufficient funding to account for drug development risks be balanced against consumer interests in being able to afford necessary medications?

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The issue of market exclusivity for patent holders releasing new drugs is a complex one, with both positive and negative aspects to consider. On the one hand, market exclusivity can provide an incentive for pharmaceutical companies to invest in the risky and expensive process of developing new drugs. This can lead to the creation of innovative new treatments that can save lives and improve health outcomes. On the other hand, market exclusivity can also lead to high prices for new drugs, as the patent holder has a monopoly on the market. This can make it difficult for consumers to afford necessary medications, particularly if they are uninsured or underinsured. There are alternative approaches to balancing the need for funding for drug development with the need for affordable medications. One approach is to increase government funding for research and development of new drugs, which would reduce the reliance on private pharmaceutical companies. Another approach is to implement price controls or negotiate lower prices

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