Barr Pharmaceuticals spent $1.7M lobbying in 1Q

Generic drug maker Barr Pharmaceuticals Inc. spent nearly $1.7 million in the first quarter lobbying on legislation affecting the drug industry, according to a recent disclosure form.

The Montvale, N.J.-based company lobbied on several bills related to generic drug access, patent reform and other health care issues, according to an April 21 filing with the House clerk's office.

Generic drug companies market cheaper versions of simpler, chemical drugs, but the Food and Drug Administration does not have the authority to approve generic biotech drugs.

Efforts to pass a generic biotech bill broke down in Congress over disagreements on how long those drugs should be on the market before they have to compete with cheaper copies.

In addition, an effort to overhaul the patent system stalled amid fierce opposition from the pharmaceutical industry, which argues that the proposed changes will weaken patent protections on drugs by reducing infringement penalties. High-tech companies supported the legislation, saying it would cut down on frivolous lawsuits.

Besides lawmakers, Barr lobbied the Health and Human Services Department, FDA, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, and the Congressional Budget Office in the first three months of the year.