Philadelphia Tables Anti-Drugmaker Gifts Measure

Philadelphia’s City Council set aside a proposed ordinance that would have banned drugmaker gifts to doctors and required licenses for sales representatives.

The legislation, aimed at addressing the opioid crisis, was tabled amid objections by business and restaurant owners who warned it would harm local businesses. For example, the Pennsylvania Restaurant and Lodging Association warned it would punish the entire pharmaceutical industry rather than just opioid manufacturers.

PhRMA expressed concerns about a provision that would ban distribution of copay coupons for controlled substances, saying it could limit the ability of ill individuals to obtain the coupons.