Pharma Giants Spent $130M+ on Lobbying in 2025 for TrumpRx Drug Pricing Plan

Welcome back to Pharmalittle, where we’re diving into the latest developments in the pharmaceutical industry. Today, we’re covering pharma lobbying surges, regulatory challenges in India, and a major deal between Bristol Myers Squibb and a Chinese partner.

Pharma Lobbying Spending Surges to $130M+ in 2025 for TrumpRx

Seventeen pharmaceutical companies backing TrumpRx, the White House’s prescription drug-pricing program, spent over $130 million on federal lobbying in 2025. This represents a nearly 23% increase compared to previous years, outpacing the broader industry as the plan took shape behind the scenes, according to OpenSecrets, the nonprofit tracking campaign financing and lobbying.

These companies accounted for more than a quarter of the record $457.3 million spent on lobbying across the pharmaceutical and health products industry in 2025. While newly filed 2026 first-quarter reports show no slowdown—industry-wide spending topped $131 million, a 5.7% year-over-year increase—the most consequential lobbying push occurred in 2025, ahead of TrumpRx’s February launch.

Eli Lilly Halts Obesity Awareness Campaign in India After Regulatory Warning

Eli Lilly has paused its obesity awareness campaign in India after the nation’s drugs regulator warned the company it could violate rules against advertising prescription medicines to consumers, even indirectly, Reuters reports.

The campaign, titled “We Know Now”, launched in mid-2025 shortly after Lilly introduced its Mounjaro diabetes and obesity treatment in India. The campaign aimed to reframe obesity as a chronic disease rather than a personal failing. It featured newspaper ads, social media posts, billboards, collaborations with Bollywood celebrities, and posters in residential communities. While Mounjaro was not mentioned, Lilly’s corporate logo appeared on the messages.

In a 16-page letter dated April 10, sent to the Drugs Controller General of India, Lilly stated it had halted the campaign “out of an abundance of regulatory caution” following a March advisory from the regulator.

Bristol Myers Squibb Inks $1.5B Deal with Chinese Partner

In other news, Bristol Myers Squibb has entered into a $1.5 billion deal with a Chinese partner, marking a significant expansion in the company’s global collaborations. The agreement aims to accelerate drug development and commercialization efforts in key markets.

Stay tuned for more updates as we continue to monitor these developments and their impact on the pharmaceutical industry.