Introduction

In October of 2008, we issued a whitepaper comparing the healthcare reform proposals of the presidential candidates and the impact those proposals would have on the pharmaceutical industry. Since that time, Congress has devoted significant attention to healthcare reform and several draft bills have been put forward by members of the House and Senate. the White house's effort included brokering a deal with the pharmaceutical industry to contribute $80 Billion over 10 years to health reform through new subsidies and discounted brand-name drugs. Although there are still negotiations and comprises that will take place before a final bill is complete, pharmaceutical companies should begin thinking about the strategic implications of reform and how they will affect their business.