In time, the patents expire. The drugs become cheaper and lives are saved. The question you are ignoring is, do you want the drugs to be there, if not now, at least in the future or are you willing to forego any new expensive medications and let the death rate remain the same. The drugs would not be here without the profit incentive. That may sound cruel but over time everyone benefits. It is a case of that or no new cures. Take your pick.