Product News and Recalls

GlaxoSmithKline to Pay $105 Million Settlement

GlaxoSmithKline paying 105 million dollar fine over false marketing claimsGlaxoSmithKline, a London-based pharmaceutical company, agreed to pay a $105 million settlement to 44 states and the District of Columbia. The company was allegedly unlawfully marketing Advair, its asthma drug, and two popular antidepressants.

The lawsuits claimed that GlaxoSmithKline was using off-label marketing and violated state consumer protection laws. Off-label marketing is when a company markets a drug for uses that are not approved by the FDA. The settlement requires GlaxoSmithKline to stop making false claims, promoting drugs beyond uses approved by the FDA, and presenting information from dubious studies, ABC reports.

CBS reports that the corporation will be required to reform its incentive policies for doctors to promote its products and it must continue its “Patient First Program.” This program reduces incentives for GSK sales representatives to engage in misleading marketing of the company’s products.

Other GlaxoSmithKline Legal Troubles

GlaxoSmithKline has said that it will be making similar reforms as ordered by the court to its policies outside of the United States. GSK’s marketing strategies are now being investigated in Britain, China, and other countries.

The company has been under investigation in the U.K. for criminal charges of bribery and tax law violations since December, 2013. GlaxoSmithKline allegedly bribed doctors, hospitals, and medical associations to boost sales in China. The U.K.’s Serious Fraud Office has launched a formal criminal investigation into GlaxoSmithKline’s commercial techniques. There are comparable accusations in Iraq, Poland, Jordan, and Lebanon.

In 2012, GSK pleaded guilty to federal criminal charges and paid a record $3 billion to settle criminal and civil cases. The company was accused of promoting medications for unapproved uses and courted doctors so they would publish favorable medical journal articles.

The lawyers of Lopez McHugh are experienced in major pharmaceutical litigations involving GSK and other big pharmaceutical companies. If you have significant injuries, contact a Lopez McHugh attorney for a free and confidential evaluation.