Drug makers seek to block deficit-talk demands for discounts

Also, The Wall Street Journal reports that the pharmaceutical industry's pipeline is showing a reinvigorated level of energy.

Los Angeles Times: Drug Makers Try To Sidetrack Demands For Discounts
As the president and congressional leaders look for savings as part of a major debt deal, the pharmaceutical industry has stepped up its behind-the-scenes lobbying to kill proposals that it contribute to any compromise. President Obama this spring said drug makers should offer discounts to low-income seniors who receive government subsidized health coverage through both the Medicare and Medicaid programs (Levey, 7/9).

The Wall Street Journal: Drug Makers Refill Parched Pipelines
The pharmaceutical industry, after years of research flops that led some to write its obituary, shows signs it is coming back to life. Credit a revamped research approach by the industry, which, after years of focusing on me-too drugs for ills that were already well treated, is pouring firepower into diseases that aren't (Rockoff and Winslow, 7/11).