Most Americans do not believe that research and development drive the cost of prescription drugs. About three quarters of Americans (74%) believe that drug company profit margins (41%) or marketing costs (33%) are the largest contributors to the price of prescription drugs. Just over two in ten (22%) say that the cost of medical research is the main contributor. Furthermore, eight in ten (81%) agree that drug costs are not justified because companies charge more for medications than necessary, while one in seven (14%) believe drug prices are justified to pay for research and development.