Why It Matters
Amgen is lobbying on pharmacy rebates and congressional procedure as federal authorities address pharmaceutical pricing and Pharmacy Benefit Manager (PBM) practices. The company is navigating a regulatory shift following the enactment of the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2026. This activity occurs alongside Medicare price negotiations, executive branch pricing initiatives and a surge in biosimilar competition.
By the Numbers
Amgen Inc. has disclosed more than $280 million in total lobbying expenditures since 2003, with its in-house operation accounting for $216.2 million across 79 disclosures. Beyond its internal team, Amgen retains over 80 external lobbying firms, including McManus Group ($5.42 million) and Tiber Creek Group Inc. ($5.26 million).
In the fourth quarter of 2025, Amgen spent $100,000 for lobbyist Dan L. Crippen to focus on pharmacy rebates, drug research and development (R&D), and congressional procedure. This engagement is part of a broader three-filing relationship totaling $136,000. Crippen’s background does not include prior congressional work experience—a departure for the company’s typical engagement of former Hill aides.
The Agenda
During the fourth quarter of 2025, Amgen Inc. advocacy focused on three areas: pharmacy rebate structures, drug R&D, and congressional procedure. The company is engaging these topics as Congress considers pharmaceutical supply chain reforms.
Multiple bills target Pharmacy Benefit Manager practices, including:
- Pharmacy Benefit Manager Transparency Act of 2025 (S. 526): Addresses “spread pricing” and rebate practices.
- Saving Seniors Money on Prescriptions Act (H.R. 950): Concerns out-of-pocket costs at the pharmacy counter.
- PBM Reform Act of 2025 (H.R. 4317): Proposes oversight of PBM operations.
Amgen’s lobbying on "congressional procedure" relates to the technical implementation of these reforms within the regulatory process.
Broader Context
Congress passed PBM reform in the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2026, which includes provisions delinking PBM compensation from drug prices. Starting in 2028, these regulations will prohibit rebate-linked remuneration and require 100 percent pass-throughs to plan sponsors.
Simultaneously, CMS announced a third cycle of 15 drugs for price negotiation in 2026 under the Inflation Reduction Act. This cycle includes medications covered under Medicare Part B (physician-administered) for the first time.
The administration is also implementing Most-Favored-Nation pricing agreements through the TrumpRx.gov platform. The program aims to align U.S. costs with international benchmarks, with projected price reductions of 50 to 60 percent for certain high-volume products.
Between The Lines
Congressional focus on the pharmaceutical supply chain continues through both legislative and oversight channels. The Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2026 established a new regulatory framework for PBM compensation. Rep. Nicole Malliotakis and Sens. Maria Cantwell and Chuck Grassley have been active in the development of these policies.
Recent activity includes Senate Judiciary Committee hearings on competition in the prescription drug supply chain, and House Energy and Commerce Committee testimony regarding healthcare costs. These developments coincide with Amgen’s engagement of procedural specialists.
Competitive Landscape
Amgen is navigating a shift in market share as several legacy products encounter new competition. This environment is further complicated by 18 new biosimilars approved in 2025 that compete with Amgen’s primary biologic portfolio.
Other entities are active on these topics through both industry-wide and individual corporate advocacy. The Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA) lobbies on PBM policies representing the pharmaceutical sector. Individual corporate activity includes Merck & Co. focusing on PBM reform and Medicare pricing, while Pfizer Inc. lobbies on Inflation Reduction Act implementation and the 340B program.
The Bottom Line
Amgen hired Dan L. Crippen for $100,000 in the fourth quarter to focus on pharmacy rebates and congressional procedure. This engagement follows the enactment of PBM reforms that change how drug rebates are handled in the supply chain. Crippen’s budget scoring background allows Amgen to address technical rulemaking and implementation logistics rather than contesting the current law.
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