Over the last 30 years, American medical innovation has generated $167.5 trillion in value for patients, workers, families, and the economy. That's not a typo. A new University of Chicago study, commissioned by the U.S. Chamber, measured what America's fight against HIV, heart disease, breast cancer, and obesity has been worth—and the answer is $27 back for every $1 invested.
- This is what American free enterprise looks like when you let it work.
Why it matters: More Americans are living fuller, healthier lives. In 1995, an HIV diagnosis meant two years to live. Today, it means 40 additional years. Breast cancer patients are living seven years longer on average.
- Healthier Americans mean stronger families, more productive workers, and more resilient communities. That's the real return on innovation.
By the numbers:
- $10.75 trillion in productivity gains over 30 years
- $2.01 trillion in federal tax revenue generated
Be smart: The obesity treatment category alone accounts for $94.4 trillion in projected health value gains and $6.48 trillion in productivity gains.
- We are just scratching the surface of what's possible—if Washington doesn't kill the golden goose.
The threat: A policy called Most-Favored Nation (MFN) pricing would tie what Americans pay for medicine to prices set by foreign governments. Importing their price controls would mean:
- An 18.5% cut to life sciences R&D spending
- Clinical trial activity slashed by up to 75%
- 2.2 million jobs threatened in life sciences and its supply chain
- Future treatments delayed—or never developed at all
What they're saying: "MFN price controls would undermine the very innovation that has delivered life-saving breakthroughs for millions of Americans," said U.S. Chamber Executive Vice President Neil Bradley. "Policymakers should reject MFN and instead pursue market-based solutions that preserve medical innovation."
Bottom line: Americans are living longer, better lives by letting innovators innovate. Washington should protect that—not dismantle it. |
