

Pharma Shatters Lobbying Records
Are you concerned about the pharmaceutical industry's record spending on lobbying?
by Axios | 1.23.19
The pharmaceutical industry's 2 leading trade groups both set records for lobbying spending in 2018 — a sign of just how much the industry believes is on the line in the political battle over drug prices.
By the numbers: PhRMA, the industry's largest trade organization, spent $27.5 million on lobbying last year, per Bloomberg. That's the most it has ever spent in 1 year. A full $10 million of that came in the first quarter — the most PhRMA has ever spent in a single quarter.
The Biotechnology Innovation Organization, meanwhile, spent just shy of $10 million, according to STAT — also a record.
- Those totals don't include the millions individual drug companies spent on their own lobbyists. They also don't include the industry's campaign contributions, which topped $17 million in the 2018 cycle, according to the Center for Responsive Politics.
Between the lines: PhRMA set its previous lobbying record during the debate over the Affordable Care Act, trying to stop a fully Democratic government from taking a bite out of its bottom line.
- It's remarkable that PhRMA would break that record in a year where Republicans — the industry's allies — controlled the House, Senate and White House.
The Latest
-
2 Dead and Millions Without Power in Texas As Winter Storm Sweeps U.S.The Texas city of Abilene has had all of its water services shut off, as a deadly winter storm continues to pummel the state.The read more...
by Axios | 2.16.21
-
In Pictures: The World Rings In the New Year Amid a PandemicNew Year's Eve fireworks erupt over the Chao Phraya river during the fireworks show in Bangkok. Photo: Mladen Antonov/AFP via read more...
by Axios | 1.1.21
-
Are You Hopeful or Fearful for 2021? Here's What Americans Are SayingAre you more hopeful or more fearful about what the year 2021 has in store for you personally?Survey of 3,561 U.S. adults, Dec. read more...
by Axios | 12.31.20