Mike Papantonio on Pharma's PBM Control and Ultra-Processed Foods

The PBM "Mob" and Drug Costs

• 💡 The book "Middleman" by Mike Papantonio uses a fictional story to expose the non-fiction truth about how Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs) control drug costs and coverage.
• 🎯 Papantonio likens PBMs to corporate sociopaths who aim to extract as much money as possible from consumers, funded by significant political contributions.
• 🔍 The mainstream media, including the New York Times, has begun to cover the PBM issue, using the term "middleman" to describe their role.

Shift from Tobacco to Ultra-Processed Foods

• 📈 Companies previously involved in the tobacco industry have largely moved into the ultra-processed food business.
• ⚠️ These ultra-processed foods often contain crap oils and excessive sugar, with detrimental effects on the human body.
• ⚖️ A lawsuit has been filed against five major culprits in the ultra-processed food industry, with significant legal movement expected.

Opioid Settlement Funds and State Infrastructure

• 💰 States have collected nearly $80 billion from opioid settlements, intended for educational programs.
• 🐌 Some states are slow to utilize these funds due to infrastructure limitations, but most are making good progress.

Exposing Industry Deception

• 📖 Papantonio's previous book, "Law and Addiction," detailed how the opioid industry knew from the outset about the addictive nature and overdose potential of their products while marketing them as non-addictive.
• 📚 His new book, "Death in Arcadia," will focus on the industry of housing children in institutions, detailing abuse within these facilities, inspired in part by the experiences of individuals like Paris Hilton.