The price and mark up of pharmaceutical drugs supplied on the black market.

摘要: Abstract Background Research examining illicit drug markets has shown that price affects consumption and mark ups are extremely high. However, the economics of black market pharmaceutical supply remains unknown, despite increasing harms due to pharmaceuticals. Methods Semi-structured, telephone interviews were conducted in Australia with 51 people involved supplying pharmaceuticals previous six months. Interviews audio-recorded, transcribed quantitative information on costs, sale price, quantity frequency coded used calculate up ratio for each transaction ‘cycle’, accounting distribution via selling, gifting trading. Mixed effects gamma regressions identify predictors up, clustering by participant. Results There 29 drugs supplied over 111 cycles, including hypnotic-sedatives (38%), opioids (32%), stimulants (18%) others (12%). Sedatives sold at lower prices than there was a negative relationship between unit size, consistent discount effect. For every dollar spent acquiring drugs, supplier earned median $3.19. Cycles involving sourced intermediaries (e.g. friends/family) had directly from medical system. Conclusion To our knowledge, this is one few studies analyse economic aspects perspective. small number cycles realised large profits may warrant different types policy responses, however most suppliers sample gross revenue profit modest.