This strikes me as an interesting idea

A US senator has proposed the government establish an $80 billion dollar prize fund to give to companies who agree to make their patents public domain. Details @ Marginal Revolution.

I think a prize system would be okay if the drug company or innovator has the option of either retaining the rights themselves or taking the prize money. From the sounds of this proposal companies do not have the option… In fact the more I read the more it sounds like a lame attempt at excessive government intervention… hmmm – it’s times like this where I wish I knew more about how the drug industry really worked.