Sydney Lupkin
From this contributor
Pharma spending on lobbying skyrocketed in Trump’s first quarter
Eight pharmaceutical companies more than doubled their lobbying spending in the first three months of 2017.
![](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/20170425-DrugLobby844.jpg)
Pharma spending on lobbying skyrocketed in Trump’s first quarter
Health companies gave generously to President Trump’s inauguration
Facing acute risks to their businesses from Washington policymakers, health companies spent more than $2 million to buy access to the incoming Trump administration via candlelight dinners, black-tie balls and other inauguration events.
![](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/rtrleight500223.jpg)
Health companies gave generously to President Trump’s inauguration
Trump’s choice to run food and drug agency has pharma connections
Scott Gottlieb, nominated to lead the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has deep ties to industry, and has worn many other hats in his career.
![](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/20170317-Scott-Gottlieb844.jpg)
Trump’s choice to run food and drug agency has pharma connections
Senators call for investigation into possible abuses of Orphan Drug Act
Building on weeks of mounting pressure to address high prescription drug prices, three influential U.S. senators have asked the government’s accountability arm to probe the orphan drug program for potential misuse.
![](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/201703-OrphanDrugGOA-844.jpg)
Senators call for investigation into possible abuses of Orphan Drug Act
Former head of FDA concerned about faster drug approvals
Robert Califf, the just-departed commissioner of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, offers his take on the Trump administration's plans to speed up drug approvals and dramatically reduce regulations at the agency.
![](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/201702tk-KHNCaliff844.jpg)
Former head of FDA concerned about faster drug approvals
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Cell population in brainstem coordinates cough, new study shows
The work also adds to a growing body of evidence showing that mice, and their genetic toolbox, can be used to study cough.
![](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/1200_coughingmice-1024x720.webp)
Cell population in brainstem coordinates cough, new study shows
The work also adds to a growing body of evidence showing that mice, and their genetic toolbox, can be used to study cough.
In updated U.S. autism bill, Congress calls for funding boost, expanded scope
The current Autism CARES Act sunsets in late September.
![Capitol building](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/capitolhill-1200-1024x692.webp)
In updated U.S. autism bill, Congress calls for funding boost, expanded scope
The current Autism CARES Act sunsets in late September.
Ketamine targets lateral habenula, setting off cascade of antidepressant effects
The drug’s affinity for overactive cells in the “anti-reward” region may help explain its rapid and long-lasting results.
![Illustration of ketamine blocking open ion channels in active NMDA receptors, quieting the cells and disrupting downstream signaling involved in depression.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/1200-ketamine-receptor-transmitter-neuroscience-1024x683.webp)
Ketamine targets lateral habenula, setting off cascade of antidepressant effects
The drug’s affinity for overactive cells in the “anti-reward” region may help explain its rapid and long-lasting results.