Drugmakers, Medical Groups Take Sides On Drug Pricing Ballot Initiative
A proposal to cap the costs of prescription drugs is among the state's 19 measures up for a vote this November that are attracting record spending by opponents and advocates. Meanwhile, several doctors associations are joining efforts to defeat the initiative, titled the California Drug Price Relief Act.
Bloomberg:
Pfizer And Merck Join $500 Million California Ballot Stampede
As California voters prepare to consider the most ballot measures in almost two decades, companies such as Merck & Co. Inc. and Pfizer Inc. and other interests have already plowed $160 million to sway the outcomes, a sum that could more than triple before the Nov. 8 election. Proposals to cap prescription-drug costs, raise cigarette taxes, limit gun ammunition sales, legalize recreational marijuana and overturn a ban on plastic bags are among those likely to draw big-money donations. (Vekshin, 5/31)
KPCC:
Medical Groups Join Fight Against Drug Pricing Ballot Measure
The pharmaceutical industry-backed effort to defeat a statewide ballot initiative intended to lower prescription drug costs has garnered the endorsements of the associations representing California's doctors, psychiatrists and other providers, as well as of groups fighting specific diseases. (Plevin, 5/31)