Recent research would suggest that the US public should be pleased with the role the pharmaceutical industry plays in advancing public health. Somewhat surprisingly, given widespread concerns about the cost-inflating effects of drugs and other medical technologies, Cutler and colleagues have shown that spending on medical technology is generally cost-effective.1-3 This is particularly true of new drugs, which often have contributed to stunning decreases in morbidity and mortality—for example, in cardiovascular disease.4,5 It appears that the huge investments needed to bring new drugs and medical devices to market are wise.