In America we just let capitalism decide the cost of lifesaving drugs. . . After the person has already been prescribed or even given the medicine.
In other countires like Norway, they tell the pharmaceutical company what price they are willing to pay.. . . or they just don't let the drug into the country. The simple solution is to let US pharmacies and hospital import these medications from other 1st world countries. . . But I am sure lobbyists will block it.