Drugmakers Play The Patent Game To Lock In Prices, Block Competitors
A stupid accusation. 
The current situation is  by 2017, a successful new drug costs 1.5B $ and 14 years in average, at the same time, more than 95% drug researches fail at different stages.  In addition, the patent period counts far before the clinical trials ( begin from the molecular compound finding), usually the patent will only protect its drug less than 10 years. The drugmakers have to earn enough money in less than 10 years to cover all the cost spending on its own research and other failed researchs.<p>Yes, they can make enough profit. Without that, what else can support them to continue research new drugs? by you?