If nothing else, PhRMA wins this year's award for chutzpah. Faced with a direct threat of mandated advertising blackouts on new drugs, the trade group counters with a little window dressing that wouldn't satisfy the most mild of reformers in Congress. Their suggestions on how drug companies could voluntarily suppress marketing efforts would appear to be a direct provocation to lawmakers. PhRMA -- and Billy Tauzin -- couldn't have picked a worse time for fumbling the ball.
On a separate note, discerning readers will have noted our new Friday Features. Much as I love to cover biotech, I'm looking for some help: expert columns related to the development of new drugs. If you have anything to submit, please send it my way. Your suggestions would be valued as well. - John Carroll