$105 Million GlaxoSmithKline Settlement for Improper Drug Marketing

By Staff Writer

GlaxoSmithKline is paying out $105 million to 44 states to settle claims that they lied about three of their popular drugs. According to the states’ claims, GlaxoSmithKline illegally marketed Advair, Paxil and Wellbutrin.

For ten years, GlaxoSmithKline promoted that Advair was the “first line treatment for all asthma patients”; however, in reality, it was only approved for patients who were being treated for long-term asthma and/or other respiratory diseases.

The Food and Drug Administration approved Paxil to treat depression in adults. Nevertheless, the claims state that for four years, GlaxoSmithKline promoted Paxil as safe and effective for children and adolescents—once again, against FDA approval. Moreover, in three GlaxoSmithKline-ran clinical trials, Paxil failed to demonstrate any effectiveness in children and adolescents. The trials, however, did raise concerns that Paxil may cause an increased risk of suicide in children and adolescents.

Like Paxil, Wellbutrin is another anti-depressant….

Although the FDA approved Wellbutrin for the treatment of depression, GlaxoSmithKline promoted its use for weight loss, the treatment of obesity, sexual dysfunction, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), various addictions, anxiety, and bipolar disorder. Also like Paxil, GlaxoSmithKline promoted Wellbutrin for use under the age of 18 when the FDA did not.

Along with paying $105 Million, GlaxoSmithKline was also ordered to change their marketing and promotional practices. In addition, they are required to continue participating in their Patient First Program—a program that helps reduce financial incentives for sales representative that engage in deceptive marketing through 2019. Furthermore, the settlement states that scientifically trained personnel are responsible for developing and approving responses to health care providers. This includes answering any questions with unbiased and non-promotional responses.

The states participating in the settlement include: Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.

GlaxoSmithKline states that while they did reach a settlement, the company claims no wrongdoing or liability. They are the first pharmaceutical company to commit to reforms in their business model by stopping the payment of doctors to speak about their products, for stopping the payment of doctors to attend conferences, and cutting ties with pay for our sales representatives.

If believe you or a loved one have been harmed by a defective pharmaceutical drug, please schedule a free consultation with an experienced attorney at Tennessee’s Gilreath & Associates today. We can help you build your case.

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