Is it possible that the pharmaceutical industry could be dealt a major setback in California come November? It's beginning to look like that once unthinkable prospect is now a distinct possibility. Support appears to be growing for Proposition 79, the consumer-group backed ballot initiative which would require drug companies to offer discounts to the poor and allow the state more control over drug pricing for MediCal. Californians seem to like the drug industry-backed proposal as well, but not quite as much. The problem appears to be the drug industry's image among consumers, which is at or near an all-time low, according to recent estimates. Industry watchers say Californians can expect a barrage of ad spots on both sides over the final six weeks before the election.
- see this article from the Los Angeles Times