GlaxoSmithKline Spent $8.2M on Lobbying

GlaxoSmithKline Spent $8.2 Million Last Year Lobbying on Drug-Related Issues WASHINGTON (AP) -- British pharmaceutical maker GlaxoSmithKline PLC spent more than $8.2 million last year lobbying the federal government on pharmaceutical issues. Glaxo advocated against patent-reform legislation that could weaken legal protections on drug patents. Technology companies supported efforts aimed at improving the U.S. patent system, but drug makers argued it could weaken patent protections by reducing infringement penalties. The patent-reform bill passed the House last year, but is pending in the Senate. ADVERTISEMENT The company also lobbied for increased funding for the Food and Drug Administration. Glaxo opposed a proposal by House Democrats that would have allowed the government to negotiate drug prices for seniors in Medicare. Currently private health insurers serve as the go-between drug companies and seniors. The measure, aimed at wringing lower prices from drug companies, stalled in the House after President Bush threatened to veto it. Lobbyists for the company also promoted free-trade agreements with Peru, Colombia, Panama. Congress approved the agreement with Peru late last year; the others are still under consideration. London-based Glaxo spent $4.6 million on lobbying in the second half of 2007, according to a government disclosure form posted online Feb. 13. Under a federal law enacted in 1995, lobbyists are required to disclose activities that could influence members of the executive and legislative branches.