The pharmaceutical industry’s main trade group spent more than $22 million lobbying the federal government in 2007, a 25 percent boost from the year before that paid off on some key issues.
Proposals aimed at lowering drug prices and restricting industry advertising fell by the wayside in Congress. But lobbying experts say the road ahead for the industry looks increasingly bumpy.
“This seems to be a case where the increase in lobbying activity is defensive, not offensive,” said Massie Ritsch of the Center for Responsive Politics, a government watchdog.
The Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America, whose members include Pfizer, Amgen Inc. and Eli Lill& Co., spent about $12 million in the second half of 2007 to lobby on how prices are set for seniors’ medications, rules governing drug imports and other issues, according to lobbying disclosure records filed last week.
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