Inside STAT: Purdue quietly splits with PhRMA as it pulls back from lobbying

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The latest in a series of high-profile breakups involving Purdue Pharma is between the drug maker and the lobbying group PhRMA. The embattled maker of OxyContin resigned from the organization in October, and the departure comes as the company sorts through its bankruptcy filing and deals with several lawsuits around the country over its marketing of OxyContin. Purdue was under no obligation to sever ties with PhRMA but the lobbying group requires a lot of its members. Members have to pay millions of dollars in dues each year, for example, and they are also expected to spend at least $200 million every year on research and development, both of which might be difficult for Purdue given its ongoing legal and financial troubles. STAT’s Nicholas Florko has more.