Drug Cos. Woo Lawmakers at GOP Convention...

September 3, 2004

Drug Cos. Woo Lawmakers at GOP Convention

Wed Sep 1,10:30 AM ET

By SHARON THEIMER, Associated Press Writer

NEW YORK - The pharmaceutical industry, fighting to defeat proposals that

would give U.S. patients easier access to cheaper Canadian drugs, is making

the most of its chance for face time with lawmakers at the GOP convention.

Drug companies are well-represented on the social calendar in New York with

events large and small.

They include an afternoon tea with New York state first lady Libby Pataki,

sponsored by AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals; a nomination-night party for top

members of President Bush (news - web sites)'s re-election team,

co-sponsored by Bristol-Myers Squibb; and a breast-cancer awareness luncheon

funded by Novartis Pharmaceuticals.

Pfizer is one of the most active drug makers. Its events include a supper

for the Colorado delegation at Tavern on the Green and an evening reception

at the landmark Rainbow Room in honor of former New York Mayor Rudy

Giuliani.

The companies believe reaching out to decision-makers at all levels of

government is particularly important at a time when Congress and several

states and communities are considering proposals that would allow residents

to shop for medication north of the border.

" It is important that we decisively convey our side of the story. We need to

emphasize that there are real safety risks associated with importation, "

said Jeff Trewhitt, a spokesman for the industry's biggest lobby, the

Pharmaceutical Research & Manufacturers of America.

On Tuesday, Pfizer sponsored the second of two breakfasts for delegates from

Oregon, a presidential battleground state whose Democratic governor recently

asked the federal government for permission to import drugs from Canada.

Delegates and a Pfizer lobbyist breakfasted on scrambled eggs, bacon,

sausage, pastries and fruit as they listened to speeches by Agriculture

Secretary Ann Veneman, Bush campaign adviser Tucker Eskew and White House

political adviser Lezlee Westine.

Republican delegate and state Rep. said Pfizer's sponsorship of

the meals would not affect her views on prescription drug policy.

" I'm concerned about the price of prescription drugs. I am also concerned

about some of the possibilities for reimportation, if there are drugs that

may not be labeled correctly, " said, adding that she would consider

supporting imports if she could be assured the drugs were safe.

Pfizer spokeswoman Darlene said the company also sponsored events at

the Democratic convention in Boston. She said drug importation legislation

is a top issue for the company, which doesn't believe such proposals are

necessarily the solution to high drug costs.

For the pharmaceutical industry, the convention offers a chance to build

goodwill with a relatively modest investment compared with the cost of

lobbying in Washington. It is the top lobbying spender among health care

interests.

The industry devoted at least $85 million to lobbying Congress and the Bush

administration last year.

Industry employees have given at least $11.5 million to national party

committees and presidential and congressional candidates this election

cycle. Roughly two-thirds went to Republicans.

Bush is the top recipient of industry employees' donations, raising at least

$870,000 compared with about $350,000 for the No. 2 beneficiary, Democratic

rival Kerry (news - web sites).

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On the Net:

Pharmaceutical Research & Manufacturers of America: http://www.phrma.org/

September 3, 2004