Pharmaceutical Giants Maintain Monopoly Over Lifesaving Drugs Through Scope Economies
The pharmaceutical industry benefits from economies of scope, where firms with different capabilities perform differently over time. Initially, firms exploring new technologies have a small advantage, but this advantage grows over time. Companies focusing on older technologies have an edge in introducing products if they have large scope economies. Products based on older technologies also have cost advantages. This means that established companies can outperform new players due to their existing assets.