Pharma’s trade group spent heavily on search ads to sway public opinion – STAT

Home What's the word?Test your knowledge with our new weekday mini crosswordBy Ed SilvermanNov. 5, 2026 Pharmalot Columnist, Senior Writer Ed SilvermanEd’s stories explore prescription drug pricing, affordability and access, as well issues surrounding patents, litigation, and legislation. He is also the author of the morning Pharmalittle newsletter and the afternoon Pharmalot newsletter.The lobbying group for the U.S. pharmaceutical industry spent an estimated $59 million on search advertising over a recent seven-year period to influence how Americans view the highly charged issue of prescription drug costs, according to a new analysis that used data to model the spending.Of that, the Pharmaceutical Research & Manufacturers of America spent roughly $32 million on ads linked to insurance and health plan searches, while $28 million was spent directing people to its web pages and domains criticizing pharmacy benefit managers, which drugmakers argue are the true culprits behind the rising prices for many medicines.AdvertisementSpending also surged around well-publicized legislative and regulatory actions, such as when Medicare began drug price negotiations in 2023. In all, PhRMA used more than 283,500 distinct keywords to generate 17.1 million paid visits from 2019 through 2025, according to an analysis published in Clinical Pharmacology & Therapeutics.STAT+ Exclusive StoryAlready have an account? Log inAlready have an account? Log inMonthly$39Totals $468 per yearTotals $468 per yearStarter$30for 3 months, then $399/yearThen $399/yearAnnual$399Save 15%Save 15%11+ UsersCustomSavings start at 25%!Savings start at 25%!2-10 Users$300Annually per user$300 Annually per user To read the rest of this story subscribe to STAT+. Ed SilvermanPharmalot Columnist, Senior WriterEd’s stories explore prescription drug pricing, affordability and access, as well issues surrounding patents, litigation, and legislation. He is also the author of the morning Pharmalittle newsletter and the afternoon Pharmalot newsletter.From the lab to the medicine chest, these are the must-read drug industry updates of the day Your data will be processed in accordance with our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. You may opt out of receiving STAT communications at any time. By Ed Silverman and Jason Mast By Ed Silverman Advertisement By Ed Silverman By Ed Silverman By Ed Silverman By Casey Ross and Brittany TrangBy Daniel PayneBy Adam FeuersteinBy Isabella CuetoBy Chelsea CirruzzoShare optionsXBlueskyLinkedInFacebookEmailDoximityCopy linkReprintsReporting from the frontiers of health and medicineCompanyAccountMoresource