Ka-Boom

The week began with rumblings about a bulls-eye painted on the state's effort, still in its infancy, to deliver lower prescription drug costs for public health care programs.

The playing field changed this morning when the Pharmaceutical Cost Management Council voted at an emergency meeting to withdraw its proposed financial disclosure rule. The Associated Press' Tom Breen appears to have been the first with the story.

Breen's story is also here, and will be updated soon. MetroNews is also reporting on this, and has audio from key lawmakers on the topic.

Advocates of this effort consider advertising and promotional spending disclosures key to negotiating with the industry.

The Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America has a different approach, reflected by an ongoing multi-state bus tour. TV talk show host Montel Williams helped kick off the tour at the Capitol last month. Gov. Joe Manchin joined Montel at his W.Va. appearance.