In A Reversal Of Long Term Prior Trend Lines... Pfizer And Merck Spent About Equally, In Q2 2017, On Lobbying

The magnitude in this reversal in trend-lines is amplified -- when one considers that Pfizer is about a third larger than Merck -- by annual revenue.

Yet here we are -- instead of Pfizer essentially doubling Merck's spend per quarter (as was often the prior case) -- the two are roughly even -- at a little over $2 million during Q2 2017. [Not quite all the reports are in to the Senate's disclosure office yet, but the reversal seems plain. I'll update this, if something wildly off-kilter emerges over the weekend.] Much of that effect seems to be driven by an increase in Merck spending, though a little of it is a decrease in Pfizer spending, as well.

We will wait to see how the full year turns out, now. But this is interesting -- especially the bolded bits, below. Here is most of what Kenilworth was lobbying Congress for, during Q2:

. . . .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), Independent Payment Advisory Board (general education, no specific bill), Medicare Part B (general education); Medicaid (no specific bill); Antibiotics/stewardship; Vaccines for Children Fund; Hospital Outpatient Prospective Payment proposed rule (CMS). . . .

Better Care Reconciliation Act (BCRA); 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 and reimbursement issues. . . .

Diabetes Prevention & Treatment, including related provisions of HR 309, The National Clinical Care Commission Act. . . .

Legislative issues related to Pharmaceutical patent issues; Legislative issues related to the FDA Regulation of Biosimilars. . . .

Now you know. . . with some deliciousness (as imaged) at the ready on this moistly sweltering Friday -- by the open air concert venue, at lunch. . . . smile. Onward.

नमस्ते