Jeffrey Robinson
Simon & Schuster, 2001 -
Pharmaceutical industry - 343 pages
A handful of companies control the global pharmaceutical market, developing, producing and marketing drugs on which the health of the world's population is dependent. Undoubtedly these giants make a positive contribution to the overall benefit of mankind - together they form the single most important industry in expanding the life expectancy of the human race - but their activities have caused many to question whether their dedication to their own financial gain is often at the expense of health.
The pharmaceutical companies surround themselves in secrecy, but questions are beginning to be asked. Are they using espionage to get ahead, spend whatever is necessary to subvert any political process threatening their advancement? Have some descended to using force to protect their own interests? They have been accused of buying scientists and actively hindering competitors; and when they distribute products into the Third World are they always scrupulous in ensuring that the drugs are suited for Third World consumption? Are some of them sufficiently careful to ensure that, when they buy their way into markets, the drugs they are selling are not dangerous?
Jeffrey Robinson turns his attention to the giants of the pharmaceutical industry, revealing shocking truths about the companies who we are dependent on for the our most precious gift - our health.