Biogen Idec spent $290K lobbying government in 4Q

NEW YORK

Biotechnology company Biogen Idec Inc. spent $290,000 lobbying the federal government in the fourth quarter, according to a recent disclosure form.

The amount marks a 71 percent boost from $170,000 spent during the same period in 2008.

The company, based in Cambridge, Mass., continued lobbying on legislation for biosimilar drugs, or the generic equivalent of biotech-based treatments.

After years of debate, Congress is poised to approve measures that will give new biotechnology drugs 12 years of competitive protection from biosimilars, signaling a victory for the industry. Consumer groups and the generic drug industry had been pushing for a shorter period, saying it would better help bring down costs for patients and increase competition.

Biotech firms had been pushing for up to 14 years of protection from competition on new drugs, while the generic drug industry had been pushing for a system similar to chemical-based drugs, which enjoy 5 years of protection.

During the October-to-December period, the company continued lobbying against the use of comparative drug studies to determine reimbursement or coverage for treatments. It also opposed price controls for pharmaceuticals and lobbied on Medicare reimbursement issues, according to a form filed Jan. 19 with the House clerk's office. The company lobbied both chambers of Congress.

Kathleen Tregoning, formerly a staffer with the House Ways and Means Committee, and Adam Gluck, who previously worked for the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions, were among those lobbying on Biogen's behalf during the period.