Vanguard Neurologist

From indystar.com

The pharmaceutical industry spent a record $168 million on lobbying the federal government in 2007, according to a report released today by the Center for Public Integrity.

Indianapolis-based Eli Lilly and Co. reported spending $4.3 million last year, less than 11 other drug companies. While Lilly’s total was an increase over the $3.7 million spent in 2006, it was not a record. Lilly reported spending $6.8 million on lobbying in 2002.

The center, which analyzed disclosure reports, said the top issues the industry lobbied on last year included blocking the importation of drugs, proposed changes to patent rules, trying to get greater access to U.S. drugs in international free trade agreements, and preventing Congress from limiting direct-to-consumer ads.

“The central point is that their massive spending has been highly successful, largely producing the political results the drug industry wants,” said Bill Buzenberg, the center’s executive director.

The center said the industry’s 32 percent increase in lobbying expenditures may have been fueled by the Democratic takeover of Congress. Democrats have not been as friendly to drug companies as Republicans.

The pharmaceutical and health products industry also has, for the first time, given slightly more money to Democrats than Republicans for the 2008 federal elections, according to the Center for Responsive Politics. Lilly has given 52 percent to Republicans and 48 percent to Democrats.