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# Drug Industry Lobbies Against Affordable Covid Meds: Analysis
- URL: https://www.fdaweb.com/drug-industry-lobbies-against-affordable-covid-meds-analysis/
- Published: 2020-06-02T12:00:00.000Z
- Updated: 2026-09-14T16:16:47.000Z
- Author: David McFarland
- Tags: Drugs, #legacy-id-D5146908

Public Citizen says that groups that oppose congressional principles to make future Covid-19 treatments and vaccines affordable and available for any manufacturer to produce have received millions of dollars in contributions from the drug industry in recent years. In a media [statement](https://www.citizen.org/news/groups-opposing-affordable-coronavirus-medicines-fueled-by-big-pharma-contributions/?ref=fdaweb.com), the advocacy group says that in early April, congressional leaders announced a set of principles to ensure that everyone will be able to get Covid-19 treatments and a vaccine and that manufacturers should not be granted marketing exclusivity, should not be allowed to charge unreasonable prices, and should publicly report their expenditures. “Nearly 80% of Americans believe the federal government should ensure that a future coronavirus vaccine is affordable,” Public Citizen says.

Despite the overwhelming public support, the statement says, 33 people from 31 organizations recently wrote to Congress to oppose its principles. Public Citizen says its [analysis](https://www.citizen.org/article/groups-opposing-affordable-covid-19-vaccines-took-in-millions-from-industry/?eType=EmailBlastContent&eId=13947687-ba93-4540-8009-babc82103dee&ref=fdaweb.com) found that of the 31 organizations, at least 15 received funding from the drug industry between 2015 and 2019\. The groups collectively received $2.5 million from the industry, it says.

The organizations included the American Legislative Exchange Council Action ($532,150), Institute for Policy Innovation ($374,500), Hudson Institute ($300,000), and Consumer Action for a Strong Economy ($195,000), according to the analysis

“Pharma money, flowing like sewage through Washington, pollutes serious conversation about access to medicines and mires members of Congress who otherwise might stand up to ensure their constituents can get any safe and effective Covid-19 treatment or vaccine that is developed,” said **Peter Maybarduk**, director of Public Citizen’s Access to Medicines program. “Coronavirus treatments and vaccines will be patented by single corporations selling at high prices and limited supply unless our government starts making different choices.”