Biotech Play

Usually, I defend Bill Gates against people's criticisms towards his company. But this one, I'm not so "sold" on.

So part of the requirement for biotech companies receiving investment money from Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation is that they have to share data with each other, even if they are competitors. This makes sense, from utilitarian point of view. Greater collaboration means greater progress, which means greater medical breakthroughs, cheaper cost of healthcare, and overall improved livelihood for all man kind.

Great. Dandy.

But.. what about profit motive? I am not saying all biotech companies should do everything SOLELY based on profit (in fact, I believe, corporations that directly impact our lives on the basic necessities level, including energy, biotech, housing, food, etc. companies should be actively engaged in making our lives better b/c after all we are the golden geese that feed them), but it is profit-drive that keeps innovation coming and businesses processes more efficient.

When you these biotech companies to collaborate, that pretty much takes away the whole intellectual property leverage away from these companies. Then what would motivate them to work hard, innovate, and bring useful drugs to market?

Collaboration is important. But so is profit. Does Microsoft collaborate? No because then its profit is gonna be doomed. Kind of hypocritical on Bill Gates part, if you ask me.

By the way, government FORCING biotech and medical companies to give out free or low cost drugs is just plain FASCIST. Redistribution of wealth by force is called socialism... but by will of the generous companies and individuals is called capitalistic charity. I would even go far as to say that capitalism is not only the best form of economy, but also the most moral.