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3 reasons why medications are so expensive in the US - Kiah Williams

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TEDEd Animation

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A century after its discovery, insulin remain essential in treating diabetes, and has a relatively low production cost, with a vial generally costing less than $6 to make. But those in the US pay on average 10 times more than those in other countries— leading some patients to take less than prescribed. Kiah Williams takes a look at the US supply chain to explore why medications are so expensive.

About TED-Ed Animations

TED-Ed Animations feature the words and ideas of educators brought to life by professional animators. Are you an educator or animator interested in creating a TED-Ed Animation? Nominate yourself here »

Meet The Creators

  • Educator Kiah Williams
  • Director Serin İnan, Tolga Yıldız, Kozmonot Animation Studio
  • Narrator Christina Greer
  • Storyboard Artist Metin Dilek
  • Animator İrem Usta
  • Art Director Tolga Yıldız
  • Composer Tolga Yıldız
  • Sound Designer Tolga Yıldız
  • Director of Production Gerta Xhelo
  • Produced by Sazia Afrin
  • Editorial Director Alex Rosenthal
  • Editorial Producer Cella Wright
  • Script Editor Max G. Levy
  • Fact-Checker Charles Wallace
  • Special Thanks Jen Chin, Adam Kircher, George Wang

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