ABSTRACT
The essay discusses the U.S. model of healthcare innovation for the development of new medical treatments in terms of democratic values. Private sector firms dominate the field of medical research and often prioritize the maximization of profits over the collective value of science of serving public health needs. Citizens are frequently rendered politically powerless to effectively prioritize scientific research to people's needs, or to hold legal institutions and health providers accountable. By analyzing a parent-led partnership with scientists to fight against a cholesterol metabolism disorder affecting children, the chapter reflects on policy tools to limit corporate power and address political inequality in the healthcare system that may help to democratize access to medicine.
