Healthy Skepticism Library item: 4262

Warning: This library includes all items relevant to health product marketing that we are aware of regardless of quality. Often we do not agree with all or part of the contents.

Publication type: news

The world according to Ernest: the ethics of marketing drugs
The Economist 1991 Apr 668

Abstract:

The Economist interviewed Ernest Mario, the chief executive officer for Glaxo, on his view of drug company marketing. The laws of the marketplace now apply as much to pharmaceuticals as to anything else. While a new drug is being developed, Glaxo holds costly symposiums to which it invites experts. Glaxo uses these symposiums to gauge market potential. After a drug is approved Glaxo uses public relations firms to work out how to create demand. Glaxo should not be responsible for telling doctors about unfavourable reports on its drugs. That is the job of the drug regulators. Post-marketing studies are not unethical even though doctors are being paid to participate in them.

Keywords:
*interview/Glaxo/ postmarketing research/ public relations firms/ sponsored symposia & conferences/ marketing strategies/ marketplace research/ safety & risk information/ doctors/ATTITUDES REGARDING PROMOTION: INDUSTRY/ETHICAL ISSUES IN PROMOTION: PAYMENTS IN STUDIES/EVALUATION OF PROMOTION: DRUG SAFETY/PROMOTION DISGUISED: CONFERENCES AND MEETINGS/PROMOTION DISGUISED: POSTMARKETING RESEARCH