Healthy Skepticism Library item: 17784
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: Electronic Source
Silverman E
Allergan Taps Social Media To Lobby Washington
Pharmalot 2010 May 19
http://www.pharmalot.com/2010/05/allergan-taps-social-media-to-lobby-washington/
Full text:
In its latest aggressive move, Allergan has launched a social media campaign to promote its Lap Band surgical device for gastric binding – a way to lose weight – by encouraging at least 250,000 consumers to sign an online petition. This will be delivered to Congress in hopes of “improving access” to the surgical procedure needed for inserting the device. Essentially, Allergan wants greater reimbursement and guidelines that mention surgery as an option.
And so the ‘CHOICE’ campaign (Choosing Health over Obestity Inspiring Change through Empowerment) attempts to strike a populist chord by flagging concerns about obesity and healthcare costs. For good measure, there is a Facebook page But as an added inducment, Allergan offers a contest for lap-band patients and 12 lucky winners get an all-expenses paid trip to Washington, DC. Why the nation’s capital? To lobby Congress, of course. Think of it this way: all that walking – up and down steps, and through corridors trying to buttonhole politicians and their frenzied staffers – may also help shed a few pounds.
“The voices of 250,000 can influence the dialogue on the obesity epidemic and help shape policies that can make a real difference,” according to the site. The winners “will serve as a voice for those whose weight struggles continue and urge legislators to understand the importance of access to all effective treatments.” Meanwhile, Allergan has donated $250,000 to The George Washington University School of Public Health and Health Services’ Department of Health Policy in support of its Strategies to Overcome and Prevent Obesity Alliance. This is funded, in part, by Allergan (see here), but the donation may qualify as a tax break.
Allergan loves to stir the pot. The company is trying to recover $460,000 in legal costs from a woman who unsuccessfully sued over the death of her 7-year-old daughter after receiving Botox injections and claiming the risks weren’t properly disclosed (see this). And Allergan claims in a recent lawsuit filed against the FDA that the agency ban on off-label marketing violates its First Amendment rights to free speech. So far just 476 people have joined the CHOICE cause, but the contest doesn’t end until July 27. One could argue the campaign is mostly cynical and self-serving, but obesity is a problem. What do you think?
Is This Campaign Going To Work?
Yes (55%, 36 Votes)
No (45%, 29 Votes)
Total Voters: 65
