Pfizer benefits massively from a highly regulated, FDA controlled market, in which only the big players can bribe their way through challenging approvals, and only big players can afford the massive cost of creating new drugs + bringing them to market fully.
Companies like Pfizer would be more likely to get toppled in a free market, than not. As it is, their position is guaranteed by the FDA. They're a government protected company, similar to Verizon or Boeing or Exxon. They roll in the profits, and all they have to do is buy up smaller players that can't hang around long enough to get approvals. The only threat to Pfizer right now is massive European pharmas.
Okay, it's obvious I don't know much about how pharma companies work but that's not the point. Let me put it another way: Lets do something that greatly benefits me, marginally benefits you, and wrap it up in good will and fuzzy feelings so you'll buy it.
Companies like Pfizer would be more likely to get toppled in a free market, than not. As it is, their position is guaranteed by the FDA. They're a government protected company, similar to Verizon or Boeing or Exxon. They roll in the profits, and all they have to do is buy up smaller players that can't hang around long enough to get approvals. The only threat to Pfizer right now is massive European pharmas.
Pfizer loves the system exactly the way it is.