PhRMA Spent $18.45 Million Lobbying Federal Officials in 2015

The Wall Street Journal recently published an article on the political lobbying activities of the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA). Here are some key findings from the report:

·         In 2015, PhRMA spent $18.45 million lobbying federal officials.

·         PhRMA says it intends to spend 10% more in 2016 than in 2015 on digital, radio and print ads.

·         In 2015, PhRMA spent the ninth-largest sum of any organization on lobbying.

·         PhRMA spent 11% more in 2015 than 2014.

·         Amgen is the non-PhRMA pharmaceutical company that spent the most on lobbying in 2015 ($10.5 million).

·         PhRMA has amassed more than $38 million to fight a referendum in California that would require the state to purchase drugs at prices no higher than what is paid by the Department of Veterans Affairs.

Source: The Wall Street Journal, February 7, 2016