Why it Matters

CSL Behring’s hiring of Marshall & Popp represents a strategic expansion of its already robust lobbying operation. The biotherapeutics company has spent $19.7 million on lobbying since 2006 across multiple firms. This addition brings Republican leadership expertise precisely when Congress is considering critical drug pricing and trade legislation affecting plasma-derived therapies.

By the Numbers

  • Lobbying Spend: CSL Behring has reported $19,770,000 across 213 filings since 2006.
  • Internal vs External: The company maintains a strong in-house team with 71 disclosures totaling $13.5 million, plus multiple specialized outside firms.
  • New Team: Hazen Clay Marshall and Monica Henriques Popp bring Senate Republican leadership and House Energy and Commerce Committee experience.

Broader Context

Congress is actively pursuing drug pricing reform amid ongoing supply chain concerns. The House Energy and Commerce Committee held hearings on domestic manufacturing, highlighting the drop from 72% U.S. production in 2002 to 37.5% in 2023. Record drug shortages and China dependency concerns are driving bipartisan support for reshoring pharmaceutical manufacturing.

The Agenda

CSL Behring registered to lobby on pharmaceutical manufacturing, drug pricing, and trade under issue codes TRD (Trade) and PHA (Pharmacy). The company historically focuses on orphan drug tax credits, plasma donor access policies, and Medicare reimbursement. Their recent engagement includes specific work on the PLASMA Act with firms like SplitOak Strategies LLC.

Competitive Landscape

CSL operates in a crowded field. Pfizer Inc. spent $3.71M in Q2 2025 on similar issues. Direct competitor Takeda Pharmaceuticals spent $1.57M focusing heavily on plasma access and PLASMA Act advocacy. The Plasma Protein Therapeutics Association lobbies on plasma-related tariffs.

Between The Lines

The PLASMA Act gained momentum with bipartisan introduction by Sen. Thom Tillis, Sen. Mark Kelly, and Rep. Richard Hudson. The American-Made Medicines Caucus formation signals dedicated congressional focus on domestic production. Meanwhile, the S.1818 – Prescription Drug Price Relief Act and H.R.3493 – Global Fairness in Drug Pricing Act propose international reference pricing the industry opposes.

The Bottom Line

Marshall & Popp’s pharmaceutical client roster including PhRMA, Amgen, and Pfizer provides CSL Behring established relationships on key committees. The timing aligns with active congressional consideration of plasma-specific legislation and broader manufacturing incentives.

All data used in this article came from Legis1. Request a demo to learn more!