AstraZeneca has reentered the primary U.S. pharmaceutical lobby group nearly two years after its exit, according to the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA). This move comes after the British drugmaker declared a $3.5 billion acquisition in the United States last year, intended to enhance its research and development (R&D) and product development abilities by the end of 2026.
The company re-engages with the trade organization as pharmaceutical firms get ready to tackle possible tariffs and drug import fees during President Donald Trump’s administration.
“We are also expanding our presence in the United States with significant investments in research, development and manufacturing,” said Pascal Soriot, AstraZeneca’s Chief Executive Officer.
Soriot stated that AstraZeneca is “committed to collaborating with PhRMA and policymakers to maintain the U.S. as a global authority in biomedical innovation while ensuring that medicines are affordable for all who need them.” In May 2023, the London-based company chose to exit the group and pursue different advocacy strategies at both state and federal levels.
The Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA) is the country’s largest trade association of major drug manufacturers, based in Washington, D.C. Founded in 1958, PhRMA has been one of the most powerful lobbying groups in the nation, working on behalf of the pharmaceutical sector across a broad spectrum of policy matters.
PhRMA has persistently lobbied against federal and state initiatives to set drug price caps, enhance price transparency, or permit Medicare to negotiate prices. PhRMA contends that price controls would suppress innovation and lower the incentive for research and development, although critics point out that drug companies spend more on marketing than on research.
PhRMA also justifies robust patent protections and has resisted global attempts to waive intellectual property rights, including during the COVID-19 pandemic, on the grounds that waivers would destroy innovation and global health responses.
PhRMA has recently conducted high-profile ad campaigns and lobbying efforts to drive reforms against PBMs, who they characterize as “middlemen” that cause drug prices to be too high. The efforts are designed to get more savings to patients and provide more transparency in the supply chain of drugs. PhRMA spent about $31.7 million in federal lobbying during 2024, ranking among the highest spending of all industries. The group hires several lobbying firms on a regular basis and employs large resources to shape legislation and regulation.
