Masao Yoshida, CEO
Astellas Pharma US, Inc.
1 Astellas Way
Northbrook, IL 60062
Dear Mr. Yoshida,
In regard to your Protopic ointment, I have just been informed that, if I did not have insurance, I would have to pay $800 for one prescription. Once my insurance was verified, the amount was reduced to $10. Please do not misunderstand: I have no love for insurance companies. In fact, I actively despise the entire industry. However, I think you and I both know that the amount you are charging them is obscene. Is the secret ingredient mined on one of the moons of Jupiter? $800 could feed a family of four for a year in a third world country, which is ironic because if I couldn’t afford this cream I’d look like I have leprosy. “Look like” is the operative phrase here, though, because you produce an ointment that removes minor blemishes from the skin. God help us if you found the cure to a serious condition. A person might have to sell an organ in order to get it.
Best regards,
