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[[File:Medical$.jpg|thumb|150x|Prescription drugs account for 10% of medical costs]]

[[File:Medical$.jpg|thumb|150x|Prescription drugs account for 10% of medical costs]]

In 1994 Pharma played a central role in defeating the Clinton health care package.  In 2009, however, Big Pharma cut a deal with the Democrats, promising to cut drug costs by $80 billion over the next decade, and to support the Senate bill; in return they were promised they would not be hit by price controls and foreign drugs would not be allowed in.  

In 1994 Pharma played a central role in defeating the Clinton health care package.  In 2009, however, Big Pharma cut a deal with the Democrats, promising to cut drug costs by $80 billion over the next decade, and to support the Senate bill; in return they were promised they would not be hit by price controls and foreign drugs would not be allowed in.  

[[File:New-meds.jpg|thumb|280px|new drugs prolong life]]

[[File:New-meds.jpg|thumb|280px|]]

The term comes from the industry trade body, supported by companies, the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America ('''PhRMA'''), a [[Washington, D.C.]] [[lobbying]] group and major [[campaign finance]] contributor.  According to opensecrets.org Big Parma is the largest donor group to candidates.<ref>https://www.opensecrets.org/news/2019/10/big-pharma-continues-to-top-lobbying-spending/</ref> Pharmaceutical companies are major donors to both federal and state legislative candidates.

The term comes from the industry trade body, supported by companies, the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America ('''PhRMA'''), a [[Washington, D.C.]] [[lobbying]] group and major [[campaign finance]] contributor.  According to opensecrets.org Big Parma is the largest donor group to candidates.<ref>https://www.opensecrets.org/news/2019/10/big-pharma-continues-to-top-lobbying-spending/</ref> Pharmaceutical companies are major donors to both federal and state legislative candidates.