The Changing Climate for Whistleblowers

摘要

The dollar2.3 billion fine against Pfizer announced at the end of August is expected to lead to far greater oversight of the way prescription drugs are marketed in the US.As we report in this issue of RAJ Pharma, the record-breaking fine was a punishment for the off-label promotion of four products: the anti-inflammatory, Bextra (valdecoxib), the antipsychotic, Geodon (ziprasidone HC1), the antibiotic, Zyvox (linezolid) and the anti-epileptic, Lyrica (pregabalin).This is not the first time that Pfizer has ended up in hot water for the inappropriate promotion of pharmaceutical products. For example, in 2007 it was fined over the improper promotion of Genotropin (somatropin) by Pharmacia, including charges of off-label promotion. Pfizer isn't the only company to be accused of off-label marketing. The size of the latest fine is undoubtedly designed to drive home the message that such behaviour will not be tolerated.