There were eight pharmaceutical companies that more than doubled their lobbying contributions in the first quarter of 2017 over the same period last year, according to a Kaiser Health News report.
The increased spending comes at a time when President Donald Trump has been critical of the drug industry and legislators including Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., John McCain, R-Ariz., and Rep. Elijah E. Cummins, D-Md., introduced bills aimed at lowering drug costs and allowing imports from Canada and other countries.
Last quarter the 38 major drug companies and trade organizations spent around $50.9 million, a more than $10 million increase over the first quarter of 2016. Here are the eight companies that more than doubled their spending on lobbying last quarter:
1. Celgene: 232 percent increase to $1 million
2. Horizon Pharma USA: 182 percent increase to $620,000
3. Shire Pharmaceuticals: 181 percent increase to $870,000
4. BioMarin Pharmaceuticals: 138 percent increase to $190,000
5. Mylan: 138 percent increase to $610,000
6. Teva Pharmaceuticals: 115 percent increase to $2.6 million
7. Vertex Pharmaceuticals: 114 percent increase to $450,000
8. Marathon Pharmaceuticals: 109 percent increase to $230,000