Does regulation of pharmaceutical drug prices improve or deteriorate social welfare?

The answer to this question depends on the specific regulations in place and the context in which they are implemented. In some cases, regulation of pharmaceutical drug prices can improve social welfare by making drugs more affordable and accessible to those who need them. In other cases, regulation of pharmaceutical drug prices can lead to higher prices and reduced access to drugs, which can have a negative impact on social welfare. Ultimately, the effects of regulation of pharmaceutical drug prices on social welfare will depend on the specifics of the regulations and the context in which they are implemented.