Healthy Skepticism Library item: 17830

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: Journal Article

Jack A
Former Roche employee questions marketing of oseltamivir to businesses
BMJ 2010 May 25; 340:
http://www.bmj.com/cgi/content/extract/340/may25_3/c2805

Abstract:

A former employee of Roche has questioned the drug company’s sales practices for the antiviral drug oseltamivir (Tamiflu), as well as its efforts to maintain market share and tender for distributors for a broad range of products.

At Watford’s employment tribunal, John Miller claimed the UK subsidiary of the Swiss group had put pressure on sales staff to promote the blockbuster medicine osteltamivir to business continuity managers in companies keen to secure supplies of the scarce drug for private stockpiles, at a time of rising concerns about a flu pandemic.

His allegations came during his case to seek compensation for unfair dismissal, saying he was shifted internally and ultimately pushed out of the company because of his concerns over a series of regulatory and ethical breaches. Roche denies the charges, arguing that it respected the law but that Mr Miller under-performed in his different jobs and was made redundant last . . .