Healthy Skepticism Library item: 10719
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
Silverman E.
At Pfizer, Improper Marketing Is An Infectious Disease; Drugmaker Probes Another AIDS Med
Pharmalot 2007 Jun 26
http://www.pharmalot.com/2007/06/at-pfizer-improper-marketing-is-an-infectious-disease-drugmaker-probes-another-aids-med/#more-8115
Abstract:
Over the past few weeks, Pfizer has had nothing but trouble with its new AIDS drug, maraviroc. The FDA unexpectedly delayed approval and the reasons aren’t clear. Meanwhile, the drugmaker quietly began investigating allegations that its sales team was instructed to promote maraviroc to physicians. This is a big no-no, because the drug still isn’t approved and this would violate a Corporate Integrity Agreement with the feds.
As it turns out, Pfizer is also investigating charges that the same HIV sales force was encouraged to improperly promote Viracept, an aging AIDS drug. Sales reps were given unapproved training and detailing materials (see below). The allegations, which also involve unapproved funding of CME programs, were made by a sales rep who now complains of retaliation. A Pfizer spokesman confirms the investigation is under way, adding that “we take any concerns about any appropriateness of activities involving the company very seriously. 
