The Political Economy of a “Miracle Cure”: The Case of Nebulized Ibuprofen and its Diffusion in Argentina

Sebastian Calonico, Rafael Di Tella and Juan Cruz Lopez del Valle

No 31781, NBER Working Papers from National Bureau of Economic Research, Inc

Abstract: We study the diffusion of a clinically unproven treatment for COVID-19 in Argentina. As the pandemic spread, nebulized ibuprofen reached thousands of patients, even some seriously ill, despite warnings by the regulator and medical societies. We use daily data on drug deliveries for all towns in one of the largest provinces to study diffusion patterns and find a role for learning. An experimental survey is also consistent with learning. A key dimension affecting diffusion is ideology: towns and subjects classified as “right-wing” are more likely to adopt and to learn.

JEL-codes: I18 O33 P46 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2023-10
New Economics Papers: this item is included in nep-hea and nep-pol
Note: DEV EH POL
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