In a New York Times interview, former Louisiana congressman W.J. "Billy" Tauzin, one of the main authors of Medicare Part D and the current head of PhRMA, discusses the future of his industry and the motivations behind his decision to take the helm of one of the most powerful lobbying groups in Washington. Tauzin says his own experience fighting cancer was a major factor in his decision. Although many critics have focused on problems afflicting the industry, such as cost and safety issues and the reliability of some research, Tauzin sees things very differently. He wants to reclaim the industry's reputation.
"They (the drug companies) went from being the pinnacles of respect and admiration... to an industry that is widely seen as profiteering off of illness," Tauzin says. He also hints that an official announcement on mandated waiting periods on new drug advertising may be coming this week.
- see this interview in The New York Times