Yesterday’s meeting of the Prescription Project advocacy group members and Representative Henry A. Waxman revealed the incoming House Energy and Commerce Committee chairman is determined to make some changes to the way prescription drugs are currently being marketed to consumers and physicians. While this phase of the Obama Administration’s agenda may not be as popular as others to the pharmaceutical industry, it is only one aspect of a list of issues under scrutiny.

Waxman has long criticized the drug industry and wants to end the practice of marketing drugs directly to consumers during the first two years after some new drugs are approved for sale. He’s not happy with the way drugs are marketed to doctors, either.

On the other hand, he is in favor of allowing the development and distribution of generic biotech drugs, a move that drug companies are likely to embrace.

Waxman is in favor of the Independent Drug Education and Outreach Act, an academic detailing initiative introduced by Senator Herb Kohl (D-Wisconsin), an initiative that has also earned the favor of the Prescription Project.

President-elect Obama’s healthcare reform plan is doable, according to Waxman, and has become more important than ever in the face of the nation’s current economic tailspin. Other issues said to be high on the agenda for the new administration are addressing Medicaid programs at the state level and expanding the State Children’s Health Insurance Plan (SCHIP).