Counterpoint: Sovaldi was basically a miracle drug for a widespread, expensive disease and even priced at $84K, that represented huge savings for the US healthcare system.
At the time it came out, the destiny for a Hep C patient was a $1M liver transplant. And that's not even including all of the other costs and misery Hep C patients incur as their liver fails. Now those people are treated quickly, saving tons of money and time, as well as improving their lives.
Also, because of the high price, it inspired competition and innovation. Within a couple years of Sovaldi and Harvoni, several other improved and cheaper drugs appeared on the market. The cost dropped to a quarter of the price of Harvoni and with half of the treatment cycle and better cure rates (Mavyret).
At the time it came out, the destiny for a Hep C patient was a $1M liver transplant. And that's not even including all of the other costs and misery Hep C patients incur as their liver fails. Now those people are treated quickly, saving tons of money and time, as well as improving their lives.
Also, because of the high price, it inspired competition and innovation. Within a couple years of Sovaldi and Harvoni, several other improved and cheaper drugs appeared on the market. The cost dropped to a quarter of the price of Harvoni and with half of the treatment cycle and better cure rates (Mavyret).