The Pharmaceutical Journal Vol 267 No 7178 p839-846
15 December 2001

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GSK reprimanded over adverts

GlaxoSmithKline has been reprimanded by the Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry's board of management for failing to make adequate changes to its advertising for Avandia (rosiglitazone) despite a previously upheld complaint.

GSK was told last year to make changes to its advertisements for Avandia after it failed to make it clear that the product was not suitable for all patients with type 2 diabetes. Subsequent advertising included reference to recommendations by the National Institute for Clinical Excellence but, according to Servier Laboratories, did not address the concerns previously raised.

The new complaint was upheld by the Prescription Medicines Code of Practice Authority and its appeals board. The ABPI board felt that although GSK had made some changes to its advertising, the reaction had been superficial and had not addressed the needs of the first ruling on the matter. It issued a public reprimand to the company.

• Bayer admission Behaviour by some of Bayer's sales representatives in gaining access to patient information and taking finger-prick blood samples while promoting Lipobay (cerivastatin) brought the pharmaceutical industry into disrepute, the PMCPA ruled. Bayer had voluntarily advised the authority of the activities of one of its regional business managers and two of its representatives, all of whom were subsequently dismissed by the company.

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