The argument made by the pharmaceutical industry in support of its pricing structure is compelling. It can indeed cost millions of dollars and take many years to research, develop, test, and market a new drug. There is nothing unique about the drug pricing process. Pharmaceutical companies strive to recover all their costs and make a profit that will satisfy shareholders. In formulating a pricing strategy to recover all the costs associated with developing and marketing a prescription drug, pharmaceutical companies tend to charge what they think the market will bear.
Drugs sold for humans generally sell for more than drugs sold for animals.
Drugs sold in rich countries are priced higher than drugs sold in poor countries. In these countries, per capita incomes are much lower than in the United States. If U.S. prices were charged, there would be few buyers. Price variation is an entirely normal phenomenon. This is even true for prescription drugs that are sold at the retail level.