Merck spent nearly $1.2M lobbying government in 2Q

Associated Press 08.12.08
WASHINGTON - Drugmaker Merck & Co. Inc. spent nearly $1.2 million lobbying on pharmaceutical issues in the second quarter, according to a recent disclosure form.

...The Whitehouse Station, N.J.-based company opposed a proposal by House Democrats that would have allowed the government to negotiate drug prices for seniors in Medicare. Currently, private health insurers negotiate drug prices with pharmaceutical companies and offer various plans to seniors

...The company's lobbyists also opposed efforts that would allow the U.S. to import cheaper prescription drugs from Canada and other foreign countries. Proponents said foreign competition would help drive down U.S. drug prices, but the domestic drug industry argues imports would expose consumers to counterfeit products. The issue has failed to gain traction in Congress, despite several hearings.