Wednesday, October 8, 2008

Big Pharma Doesn't Give a Damn About Your Health

"One common strategy... was "ghost-writing," in which Pfizer executives, or firms hired by Pfizer, wrote articles for submission to journals, rather than allowing outside researchers to write them"

Sounds like the DOD's MSM press offices in Lincoln, the Pentagon, and Langley.


"E-mails suggest Pfizer tried to suppress study on drug; Suits say company misled on Neurontin" by Liz Kowalczyk, Globe Staff | October 8, 2008

Top drug company marketing executives suppressed a large European study suggesting their blockbuster medication Neurontin was ineffective for chronic nerve pain, and they privately strategized about how to silence a British researcher who wanted to go public with the data, according to newly filed documents and e-mails that are part of a Boston court case.

But they are looking out for YOUR HEALTH, not their pocketbook!!!!

The widespread promotion of Neurontin turned what had been a relatively minor epilepsy drug into one of the fastest-growing blockbuster drugs in the world, one that generated more than $2 billion a year in US sales for Pfizer.

One common strategy, according to court documents, was "ghost-writing," in which Pfizer executives, or firms hired by Pfizer, wrote articles for submission to journals, rather than allowing outside researchers to write them.

A growing body of research and documents produced in court cases are illuminating how pharmaceutical companies have biased studies of the effectiveness and safety of their drugs. --more--"

You see, readers? They don't give a SHIT about YOUR HEALTH!!!

Nor does the FDA care about your kids....

"Warnings added to children's drugs" by Bloomberg News | October 8, 2008

WASHINGTON - Makers of over-the-counter cold and cough drugs added warnings against use in children younger than 4 years old after doctors and government advisers said the medicines are risky and may not work.

The industry's voluntary action stopped short of the ban in children under age 6 sought by pediatricians because the risk of overdose is greatest in 2- and 3-year-olds, said Linda Suydam, the president of the trade group Consumer Healthcare Products Association.

Pediatric antihistamines will also carry new labels telling parents not to use the medicines to sedate children of any age, the group said yesterday. Outside advisers to the Food and Drug Administration recommended that such cough and cold drugs shouldn't be given to children younger than 6 and said there was no evidence they worked in those up to 12.

They work! Can't you hear the CHA-CHING of the CASH REGISTER, Amurka?

The new warnings will be added to products which will gradually replace drugs now on store shelves, Suydam said. --more--"