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The Economic Benefits of Pharmaceutical Innovations: The Case of Cox-2 Inhibitors

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  • Craig L. Garthwaite

Abstract

Despite dramatic improvements in medical technology, little attention has been paid to the role of these innovations in improving economic outcomes. This study estimates the labor supply effects of Cox-2 inhibitors, a widely prescribed class of pharmaceuticals used for the treatment of chronic pain and inflammation and primarily marketed under the brand names Vioxx, Celebrex, and Bextra. This paper exploits the removal of Vioxx from the market in 2004 as an exogenous change in drug use. This removal was associated with a 0.35 percentage point decrease in overall labor force participation and $19 billion in lost wages. (JEL I12, J22, L65, O31).

Suggested Citation

  • Craig L. Garthwaite, 2012. "The Economic Benefits of Pharmaceutical Innovations: The Case of Cox-2 Inhibitors," American Economic Journal: Applied Economics, American Economic Association, vol. 4(3), pages 116-137, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:aea:aejapp:v:4:y:2012:i:3:p:116-37
    Note: DOI: 10.1257/app.4.3.116
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
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    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • I12 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Health - - - Health Behavior
    • J22 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demand and Supply of Labor - - - Time Allocation and Labor Supply
    • L65 - Industrial Organization - - Industry Studies: Manufacturing - - - Chemicals; Rubber; Drugs; Biotechnology; Plastics
    • O31 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Innovation; Research and Development; Technological Change; Intellectual Property Rights - - - Innovation and Invention: Processes and Incentives

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