Why it Matters
Ono Pharma is significantly upgrading its Washington influence game. The Japanese pharma company added three seasoned lobbyists to its Greenberg Traurig LLP team, including two former congressmen with critical committee experience. This isn’t just expansion — it’s strategic positioning as Congress intensifies scrutiny of drug pricing.
By the Numbers
Lobbying spend: Ono Pharma USA Inc. has reported $50,000 since starting federal lobbying in 2022.
- Robert J. Mangas: veteran healthcare lobbyist
- Charles Foster Bass: former congressman, House Energy and Commerce Committee member
- Rodney Procter Frelinghuysen: former House Appropriations Committee chairman
Previous work: Frelinghuysen already lobbied for Ono on prescription drug pricing and FDA user fees.
Broader Context
Congress is wrestling with major pharmaceutical policy changes. The Inflation Reduction Act launched Medicare drug price negotiations. Now lawmakers debate expanding those powers while addressing concerns about innovation impacts. Pharmacy Benefit Manager reform has bipartisan momentum. FDA funding and user fee reauthorization remain congressional priorities.
The Agenda
Ono focuses on prescription drug pricing reform and FDA user fee reauthorization. These fall under Health Issues and Medicare/Medicaid lobbying codes. The company, a specialty pharma focused on oncology and immunology, has direct stakes in Medicare reimbursement policies and FDA regulatory processes.
Competitive Landscape
Major players dominate this space. Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA) lobbies heavily on drug pricing and PBM reform. Pfizer Inc. spent millions on Medicare Part D and pricing proposals. AbbVie Inc. focuses on patient access and reimbursement. Novartis engages on PBM reform and orphan drug issues.
Between The Lines
Senators push to expand Medicare negotiations. Sen. Amy Klobuchar champions broader negotiation powers. The Prescription Drug Price Relief Act proposes international price benchmarking.
Republicans counter with innovation concerns. Rep. Greg Murphy’s EPIC Act targets the “pill penalty” affecting small-molecule drugs.
PBM reform gains steam. A House Energy and Commerce hearing examined anti-competitive practices. The Pharmacy Benefit Manager Transparency Act seeks industry overhaul.
FDA oversight continues. A Senate Appropriations hearing highlighted agency capacity concerns. The Scientific EXPERT Act aims to accelerate rare disease drug development.
The Bottom Line
Ono Pharma is playing serious catch-up in Washington influence. Adding a former Appropriations chairman and Energy and Commerce veteran signals the company recognizes the high stakes of current policy debates. This move positions them to engage meaningfully on issues that could reshape pharmaceutical markets.
All data used in this article came from Legis1. Request a demo to learn more!
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