Pfizer Settlement Restricts Drug Marketing

Law.com carries this article on the recent $60 million settlement between pharmaceutical company Pfizer with 33 states attorneys general: Pfizer Settlement Over Marketing of Celebrex Contains Far-Reaching Restrictions.

According to the article, the settlement over the company's alleged off-label marketing of pain medication Bextra and arthritis drug Celebrex "includes a sweeping list of new marketing and advertising restrictions for the pharmaceutical company."

"...Pfizer has agreed to stop the following activities: giving incentives to sales staff to promote off-label drug use and paying doctors to spend time with Pfizer sales representatives; using grant money to promote use of Pfizer's drugs; "ghost writing" articles and studies for a named author outside of the company; and giving doctors drug samples to encourage off-label prescribing."

Read the full article at: Pfizer settlement.

Massachusetts Attorney General Martha Coakley said in a statement:

"While we are pleased with the monetary payment and plan to use these funds to improve the health and welfare of Massachusetts residents, it is the comprehensive injunctive relief that will ensure that Pfizer, the world's largest drug manufacturer, can no longer deceptively promote its products."

.