008: Big Pharma vs. Low-Cost Cures: Evidence Behind the Claims that Suppression Exists

In this episode, we call B.S. on Big Pharma’s profit motives and explore how cheap or off-patent drugs often get sidelined – not by a grand conspiracy, but by a system that simply doesn’t reward low-margin cures. We discuss:

• Opioid Crisis Lawsuits: How Purdue Pharma and others downplayed risks and triggered a national epidemic.
• The Ivermectin Saga: Why a generic anti-parasitic got dismissed for COVID-19, stoking theories about suppressing cheap treatments.
• Cannabis & Psychedelics: Once deemed “no medical value,” now shown to help PTSD, depression, and more, but suppressed for decades.
• Real Influence on Research: Pharma funds trials, buries negative results, and fosters publication bias.
• Minor Mention of LDN: Low Dose Naltrexone as an example of an under-researched, generic therapy that might have big potential.

Key Points & Discussion

1. Opioid Crisis Lawsuits:
   • Purdue Pharma’s role in pushing OxyContin, concealing addictive potential.
   • Billions in settlements; internal memos showed profit-first tactics.
   • Demonstrates Big Pharma’s willingness to prioritize sales over safety.
2. WHO & Ivermectin Saga:
   • Early COVID-19 hype vs. mainstream dismissal, fueling “suppression” talk.
   • No major RCT funding from big sponsors – no profits to be made.
   • Shows how “lack of data” can be a result of zero corporate interest.
3. Cannabis & Psychedelics:
   • They were Schedule I (“no medical value”) for decades, but new studies show clear benefits (pain, depression, etc.).
   • Pharma’s disinterest in non-patentable compounds – overshadowed by new psych meds.
   • Now a resurgence of research as big companies eye synthetic/novel forms for profit.
4. Real Influence on Research:
   • Evidence of publication bias; negative or unflattering results get hidden.
   • Synthroid fiasco (study suppressed for 7 years), paying doctors, lobbying regulators.
   • Reinforces that “profit over science” can hamper cheap, off-label therapies.
5. LDN (Low Dose Naltrexone) Mention:
   • Potential uses (fibromyalgia, Crohn’s), minimal side effects, but no big trials = less adoption.
   • Symbolizes how unpatented therapies languish in R&D purgatory.

References

• Opioid Crisis Lawsuits: US DOJ Opioid Settlement with Purdue
• Ivermectin & COVID-19: WHO Advice on Ivermectin
• Cannabis & Psychedelic Studies: Nature: Psilocybin for Depression RCT
• Influence on Research: BMJ: Publication bias in industry-funded trials
• LDN Trials Info: Penn State Crohn's LDN Study

Listener Action Items

• Scrutinize Pharma Claims: Always ask who funds the trials, check for negative or missing data.
• Support Independent Research: Encourage public funding for generics & natural therapies so they're properly studied.
• Stay Skeptical: Don't dismiss everything mainstream, but remember profit motives shape the narrative.

 

Connect & Subscribe

If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a 5-star review on your favorite podcast platform!
Questions or comments? Email contact@kristinabraly.com or DM us on IG: @icallbswithkb.
Stay tuned for our next episode where we investigate more suspicious BS in the world of medicine, marketing, and beyond!