Pfizer Outspent Merck -- By More Than 2-To-1 -- On Lobbying In Q1 2017...

Yes, Pfizer is a larger bird. But (as we all well-know) it is not more than twice the size -- nor are its businesses any more complex -- than Merck's.

So -- Mr. Read has some 'splainin' to do (in my opinion). [In the same time frame last year, Merck spent about $3.7 million while Pfizer spent about $4.1 million.] In any event -- these are the issues -- in addition to others -- for which Kenilworth expended lobbying funds:

. . . .▲ 340B (no specific bill), Hepatitis C (general education; no specific bill), Human papilloma virus and vaccine policies (general education; first dollar coverage; preventative services), shingles vaccine policies (general education), antimicrobial resistance (general education), biosimilars (no specific bill), cost and value of medicines (no specific bill), women's health (general education), Prescription Drug User Fee Act (PDUFA; general education), Affordable Care Act, general pharmaceutical issues (transparency, formulary design, prescription drug coverage), H.R. 1628 - American Health Care Act of 2017, Implementation of P.L.114-255 - 21st Century Cures Act, S.204/H.R.878 - Trickett Wendler Right to Try Act of 2017, S. 469 - Affordable and Safe Prescription Drug Importation Act, S. 637 - Creating Transparency to Have Drug Rebates Unlocked Act of 2017. . . .

▲ Comprehensive tax reform (no specific bill), House Republican tax blueprint, international tax proposals (no specific bill). . . .

▲ Medicare Part D (general education, no specific bill), changes to low-income subsidy structure in Medicare Part D (general education, no specific bill), H.R. 5122 (Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation Part B demo), Independent Payment Advisory Board (general education, no specific bill), Medicare Part B (general education); Medicaid (no specific bill); Issues relating to the further development of antibiotics and antimicrobials for serious and unmet medical needs; Antibiotics/stewardship; Cost and value of prescription drugs; Vaccines for Children Program, Part B Drug Demonstration Proposed Rule; Medicare access to DXA services; Hospital Outpatient Prospective Payment proposed rule (CMS). . . .

▲ Issues related to establishment of FMD vaccine bank. . . .

▲ H.R. 2028 (continuing resolution to fund the federal government); S. Con. Res. 3 (Senate Budget Resolution 2017) - prescription drug policies. FY2017/FY2018, Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations; FY2017/FY2018, Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations; FY2017/FY2018, Department of Defense Appropriations; Tricare formulary, reimbursement and vial size issues. . . .

▲ Patent reform; Legislative issues related to Pharmaceutical patent issues. . . .

The "right to try" bill strikes me as a particularly ill-considered notion. [This new drug/biologic offering may not be effective -- but what the hey! -- give it a whirl!] Now you know. I find that I cannot stop. . . grinning on this blazingly bright Wednesday morning, with my eldest on walkabout in the big easy. . . .

नमस्ते