For Immediate Release
Media Contact: Bob Cooper
(208) 334-4112
Date: December 12, 2012
Idaho Will Receive $732,000 to Resolve False Drug Promotion Claims
(Boise) – Idaho will receive $732,000 from a legal settlement with Pfizer Inc, Attorney General Lawrence Wasden said today. The settlement resolves allegations that Pfizer unlawfully promoted its drugs, Zyvox and Lyrica. In the settlement with Idaho and 32 other states, Pfizer agreed to pay $42.9 million to resolve allegations, but admitted no wrongdoing.
The attorneys general allege that Pfizer engaged in misleading and deceptive practices in its promotion of Zyvox. Zyvox is an antibacterial agent approved to treat certain types of infections, including nosocomial pneumonia caused by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus ("MRSA") and complicated skin and skin structure infections due to MRSA. The attorneys general alleged that Pfizer made misleading and unsubstantiated superiority claims that broadened the indications for Zyvox.
Additionally, the states alleged that Pfizer promoted Lyrica for off-label uses. Lyrica is approved by the Food and Drug Administration to treat certain types of neuropathy and fibromyalgia. Physicians may lawfully prescribe drugs for off-label uses, but it is unlawful for manufacturers to promote drugs for uses other than those approved by the Food and Drug Administration.
As part of the Consent Judgment, Pfizer agreed to change how it markets and promotes Zyvox and Lyrica Pfizer shall not:
Since taking office in 2003, Wasden has recovered more than $50 million for Idaho in 39 settlements with pharmaceutical manufacturers who have violated a variety of state and federal laws.
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