MedWorm provides a medical RSS filtering service. Over 6000 RSS medical sources are combined and output via different filters. This feed contains the latest medical blog items that have been tagged with 'ftc'. Sat, 03 Sep 2011 02:03:32 +0100 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5182313&cid=t_140416_150_f&fid=34889&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpharmamkting.blogspot.com%2F2011%2F09%2Fbrando-pharma-makes-offer-generic.html (Source: Pharma Marketing Blog) Pharma Marketing Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5182313 Thu, 01 Sep 2011 14:54:00 +0100 5182313 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5182322&cid=t_140416_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2FSXrWAMrwa34%2F In an effort to thwart generic competition, brand-name drugmakers are promising not to launch so-called authorized generics if their generic rivals promise not to market copycat versions of the brand-name drugs, according to a new report from the US Federal Trade Commission. The findings, released in a 270-page report, explore a twist on the controversial practice of pay-to-delay in which brand-name drugmakers settle patent litigation with an agreement that involves a payment and a commitment by a generic drugmaker not to launch a rival med for a specified period of time. The FTC has called these deals anti-competitive and cost consumers $3.5 billion annually. Now, the agency, which has been urging Congress to pass legislation to restrict these deals (see here), is turning its attention to... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5182322 Thu, 01 Sep 2011 12:51:07 +0100 5182322 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5051240&cid=t_140416_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2Ff0rmi8u5dV8%2F The US Senate Judiciary Committee has approved a bipartisan bill that would limit pay-to-delay settlements that are designed to keep lower-cost generic drugs off the market for extended periods. The move comes after the US Supreme Court declined to review one hotly contested deal (see this) amid repeated cries from the US Federal Trade Commission that settlements are anticompetitive and costly to consumers. Under the bill, which is called the Preserve Access to Affordable Generic Drugs Act, brand-name drugmakers would be deterred from settling patent disputes by paying generic rivals in exchange for promises that a copycat version of its drug will be kept off the market. The deals would be considered illegal and the FTC would be given the authority to stop the agreements (read the legislat... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5051240 Thu, 21 Jul 2011 20:04:25 +0100 5051240 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4921757&cid=t_140416_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2FC0tblUFA4DY%2F In what some say would be a highly unusual move, the US Federal Trade Commission is considering using its rule-making power to stop pay-to-delay deals between brand-name drugmakers and their generic rivals, after failing to convince Congress or the courts to act, Bloomberg News reports. A rule to block the deals would involve antitrust issues, rather than consumer protection, and could be made on the agency’s own initiative under its basic statutory authority rather than at the direction of Congress, Bert Foer, president of the American Antitrust Institute, tells the news service. “Any potential attempt by the FTC to move forward unilaterally with such a rulemaking would be unprecedented,” Sean Heather, executive director of the global regulatory cooperation project at the US Cha... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4921757 Thu, 09 Jun 2011 15:10:23 +0100 4921757 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4902405&cid=t_140416_87_f&fid=36438&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FCato-at-liberty%2F%7E3%2FI8niYC-xAnE%2F By Jim HarperIt might be tempting to laugh at France’s ban on words like “Facebook” and Twitter” in the media. France’s Conseil Supérieur de l’Audiovisuel recently ruled that specific references to these sites (in stories not about them) would violate a 1992 law banning “secret” advertising. The council was created in 1989 to ensure fairness in French audiovisual communications, such as in allocation of television time to political candidates, and to protect children from some types of programming. Sure, laugh at the French. But not for too long. The United States has similarly busy-bodied regulators, who, for example, have primly regulated such advertising themselves. American regulators carefully oversee non-secret advertising, too. Our govern... Cato-at-liberty blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4902405 Mon, 06 Jun 2011 16:35:53 +0100 4902405 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4862924&cid=t_140416_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2FPY8LOK5kv_0%2F Once again, the US Federal Trade Commission is trying to thwart pay-to-delays deals and its latest effort is a brief in which the agency has asked an appeals court to reverse a lower court ruling that sanctioned a settlement between Schering-Plough and two generic drugmakers - Upsher Smith and ESI, which was a division of Pfizer’s Wyeth - over the K-Dur blood pressure med. The background: In 1995, the two generic drugmakers sought FDA approval to sell versions of K-Dur, but Schering-Plough, now owned by Merck, filed suit for patent infringement. Just before the trial, Schering-Plough agreed to pay Upsher $60 million not to sell a generic until 2001, and the FTC filed suit (read here). Separately, Schering-Plough agreed to pay ESI up to $15 million to agree not to sell a generic until... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4862924 Wed, 25 May 2011 12:02:39 +0100 4862924 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4820814&cid=t_140416_87_f&fid=36438&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FCato-at-liberty%2F%7E3%2FkYFsphM7KXE%2F By Jim HarperAn insert that ran in the Washington Times this week didn’t say directly that the Federal Trade Commission’s budget should be cut. But a few short steps get you there. The FTC-produced insert—a 16-page, color brochure appearing in a number of papers—is titled: “Living Life Online.” It’s aimed at teaching children how to use the Internet, with articles titled: “Sharing Well With Others” and “Minding Your Manners.” An ad on the back points kids to an FTC Web site about advertising called Admongo.gov, and little smart-phone insets contain factoids like: DID YOU KNOW? Teens text 50 messages a day on average, five times more than the typical adult (who sends or receives 10 text messages a day). Well, I have some fact... Cato-at-liberty blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4820814 Fri, 13 May 2011 18:05:41 +0100 4820814 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4789641&cid=t_140416_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2F919qtSMsjE4%2F Despite setbacks in courts and Congress, the Federal Trade Commission continues to hammer away at pay-to-delay deals involving patent settlements between brand-name and generic drugmakers. The agency views these deals as anti-competitive, arguing they rob consumers of lower-cost meds that might otherwise arrive much sooner in pharmacies. And so the FTC chair Jon Leibowitz has released yet another report that he hopes will generate some momentum in Congress toward restricting these agreements. The report found there 31 deals in fiscal year 2010, a 63 percent increase from fiscal year 2009. The deals reached in the last year involved 22 different brand-name meds with combined annual US sales of about $9.3 billion. Of the 31 settlements, 26 involved generics that were “first filers,” whic... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4789641 Wed, 04 May 2011 12:39:30 +0100 4789641 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4767998&cid=t_140416_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fftc-shuts-down-10-fake-news-sites-promoting-acai-berry-products%2F2011.04.29 On the NPR Shots blog, Scott Hensley reports: “This Just In: Fake News Is No Way To Sell Acai Berries.” Excerpt: “Some marketers of weight-loss products containing acai berries are also purveyors of news you shouldn’t use, the Federal Trade Commission says. The FTC has asked federal courts to put a stop to the activities of 10 different outfits that the commission alleges use “fake news websites” to tout acai berry weight-loss products. Chances are you’ve stumbled across the sites, which often sport the logos of major mainstream news organizations, such as ABC, CNN and Consumer Reports. (See this example posted by the FTC.) Take, for example the FTC’s complaint against Beony International LLC, a company based in San Diego. The company alleged... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4767998 Fri, 29 Apr 2011 19:00:54 +0100 4767998 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4715014&cid=t_140416_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2FpYq3k6eZCQ4%2F Four years after the merger between the CVS drugstore chain and the Caremark pharmacy benefits manager, which has spurred numerous investigations and lawsuits over anticompetitive concerns, a handful of consumer groups have written the US Federal Trade Commission to ask the agency to break up the company. Why? The groups charge CVS Caremark limits choice through various programs, the merger has given CVS unfair advantage over other retailers, patients are steered toward CVS and confidential patient information is improperly shared. Such concerns have already prompted investigations by the FTC and attorneys general of 24 states. CVS Caremark has previously said it is cooperating with the probes. “There is strong evidence that the CVS Caremark merger has harmed consumers,” says the lett... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4715014 Fri, 15 Apr 2011 12:18:08 +0100 4715014 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4696617&cid=t_140416_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fin-brief-new-accountable-care-organization-aco-regulations%2F2011.04.11 ACO regulations and related federal issuances hit the street last Thursday, after several months of waiting — from CMS, OIG, FTC, DOJ and IRS.  They cover the waterfront, ranging from the central regulation defining the structure and workings of the ACO, to  limited Stark self-referral ban and anti-kickback statute waivers in the fraud and abuse arena, to new frameworks for antitrust analysis, to rules governing joint ventures involving taxable and tax-exempt organizations. I had the opportunity to discuss the regs the day after they were issued on a special edition of the Blog Talk Radio show, ACO Watch, hosted by Gregg Masters (@2healthguru).  Gregg’s guests included Mark Browne (@consultdoc), Vince Kuraitis (@VinceKuraitis), Jaan Sidorov (@DisMgtCareBlog) and yours truly ... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4696617 Mon, 11 Apr 2011 12:00:09 +0100 4696617 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4658621&cid=t_140416_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2F_coAu5MMn48%2F In response to threats KV Pharmaceuticals has made to compounding pharmacies that want to continue making low-cost versions of its high-priced Makena preemie drug, the FDA has just issued a statement saying the agency will not take any “enforcement actions” against compounders. The “FDA understands that the manufacturer of Makena, KV Pharmaceuticals, has sent letters to pharmacists indicating that FDA will no longer exercise enforcement discretion with regard to compounded versions of Makena. This is not correct,” the FDA statement says. “In order to support access to this important drug, at this time and under this unique situation, FDA does not intend to take enforcement action against pharmacies that compound hydroxyprogesterone caproate based on a valid pr... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4658621 Wed, 30 Mar 2011 14:43:43 +0100 4658621 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4560597&cid=t_140416_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2FC7Wu-i1zM6o%2F Hello, everyone, and top of the morning to you. Another shiny day is unfolding here on the Pharmalot corporate campus, where we are hustling the short people off to their various school houses for some learning. And this marathon calls for a much needed cup of stimulation - our flavor today is Cinnamon Cream Swirl. Please join us as we also peruse the news for interesting developments. As always, we encourage you to contact us if you hear of something noteworthy. Meanwhile, have a great day… FDA Warns About Abbott HIV Med In Premature Babies (Reuters) Teva Says Docs Contacted For Generic Copaxone Study (Bloomberg News) FDA Accepts Application For Astra & Bristol Diabetes Drug (Associated Press) Japan Finds No Direct Link To Vaccines And Deaths (Reuters) FTC Takes Aim At Patent T... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4560597 Tue, 08 Mar 2011 12:53:17 +0100 4560597 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4560598&cid=t_140416_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2FDDJwXnTTp4M%2F The Supreme Court rejected a challenge to a pay-to-delay deal in which Bayer paid Barr Pharmaceuticals, which is now owned by Teva Pharmaceuticals, to drop a patent lawsuit over the Cipro antibiotic (see this). The move is a blow to the Federal Trade Commission, which calls the deals anticompetitive and had been hoping the Supreme Court would review a case in the face of legislative inactivity. The issue has divided lower courts around the country for years. A wholesaler and three retailers, including CVS and Rite-Aid, asked the Supreme Court to review the settlement, arguing the deals choke off competition by stifling the arrival of lower-cost generics on their shelves. In the case they cited, Barr challenged the Cipro patent in October 1991 and struck a deal with Bayer in January 1997 tw... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4560598 Mon, 07 Mar 2011 22:44:07 +0100 4560598 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4495432&cid=t_140416_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2FhzVMM9bdJ8U%2F A handful of Senate Democrats have revived a bill that would restrict brand-name drugmakers from being able to market an authorized generic during the 180-day exclusivity period that follows the first successful challenge to a patent by a generic rival. Known as the Fair Prescription Drug Competition Act, the bill was first introduced by US Senator Jay Rockefeller, a West Virginia Democrat, in 2007. Authorized generics, as you know, may be sold by brand-name drugmakers after a patent expires, although marketed differently. However, a 2009 report by the US Federal Trade Commission found that consumers are harmed by deals between brand-name and generic drugmakers in which a generic entry is delayed. The FTC noted that the arrival of an authorized generic during that 180-day exclusivity perio... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4495432 Fri, 18 Feb 2011 17:10:06 +0100 4495432 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4399818&cid=t_140416_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2FVytK4mo5a_A%2F A pair of US Senators have reintroduced legislation that would limit the so-called pay-to-delay deals that remain one of the hottest controversies enveloping the pharmaceutical industry. The move comes after the House and Senate last month failed to agree on an appropriations bill, which included pay-to-delay restrictions. You may recall that pay-to-delay settlements involve agreements in which brand-name and generic drugmakers settle patent disputes by exchanging a payment for a commitment to refrain from marketing a generic off the market for a set period of time. However, the Federal Trade Commission calls these deals anti-competitive and force consumers and government healthcare programs to pay high prices. A Congressional Budget Office report estimated the federal government could sav... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4399818 Wed, 26 Jan 2011 18:11:24 +0100 4399818 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4377787&cid=t_140416_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2FcjCmn3mBJKE%2F Two years ago, the US Federal Trade Commission filed a highly publicized lawsuit against Cephalon over pay-to-delay deals worth an estimated $200 million with some generic drugmakers - Ranbaxy Labs, Mylan Labs and Teva Pharmaceuticals - to keep a copycat version of its Provigil sleep-disorder pill off the market until 2012 (read this). Now, though, more than three dozen other drugmakers have raced to court to try to keep details of their own deals from being disclosed as a result of this battle. In a motion filed in federal court in Philadelphia this week, no fewer than 37 drugmakers - including Abbott Laboratories, Merck, Novartis, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Sanofi-Aventis, GlaxoSmithKline, Pfizer, Bayer, AstraZeneca, Johnson & Johnson, Actavis, Waston Pharmaceuticals, Dr. Reddy’s, ... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4377787 Thu, 20 Jan 2011 20:48:02 +0100 4377787 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4377786&cid=t_140416_150_f&fid=34889&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpharmamkting.blogspot.com%2F2011%2F01%2Ffda-needs-to-do-better-job-regulating.html When it comes to false health claims made by food advertisers, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is the federal agency that is empowered to act (see, for example, "Kellogg Engages in Serial Advertising Misbehavior"). But the FDA has jurisdiction over the labelling, which is what is written on the box or container in which the food is delivered.In a report, the Government Accounting Office (GAO) -- the investigative arm of Congress -- said "FDA Needs to Reassess Its Approach to Protecting Consumers from False or Misleading Claims." In fact, that is the name of the report, which you can find here.Health claims made by food companies is a "a complex and challenging legal and regulatory" issue. There are several different kinds of health claims that FDA has defined, one of which is a "structu... Pharma Marketing Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4377786 Thu, 20 Jan 2011 12:14:00 +0100 4377786 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4361306&cid=t_140416_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2FUuhSDJneggs%2F One month after yet again raiding offices of various drugmakers (back story), the European Commission is now taking a more polite approach and telling several companies - including Bayer and Roche - to submit details of their settlements over patent disputes. The EC asked a “selected number of originator and generic companies” to submit a copy of all patent settlement agreements relevant to the 27-member EU region and which were concluded between Jan. 1, 2010 and Dec. 31, 2010, according to an EC statement. Like the US Federal Trade Commission, the EC has been probing these pay-to-delay deals in the belief that they stifle competition and, therefore, delay entry to the marketplace of lower-cost medicines (read about the FTC efforts here). This followed a report from the Europe... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4361306 Tue, 18 Jan 2011 14:20:42 +0100 4361306 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4331236&cid=t_140416_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2FED0DYDEIm1U%2F The controversy over so-called pay-to-delay settlements between brand-name and generic drugmakers has prompted attorneys general from 32 states to file an amicus, or friend-of-the-court brief urging the US Supreme Court to review the deals, which the states say thwart competition and block needed access to lower-cost medications. The move comes less than a month after three pharmacy chains and a wholesaler petitioned the court to rule on the issue, which has divided other federal courts (see this) and spurred the Federal Trade Commission into a Quixotic quest to urge Congress to pass a law to restrict these deals (back story). The case that precipitated these filings involved a deal in which Bayer paid Barr Pharmaceuticals, which is now owned by Teva Pharmaceuticals, to drop its patent cha... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4331236 Tue, 11 Jan 2011 13:26:37 +0100 4331236 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4281300&cid=t_140416_87_f&fid=36438&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FCato-at-liberty%2F%7E3%2FEndHZeya-Tg%2F By Jim HarperIs there something special about December? Perhaps it’s the spirit of giving that had the Federal Communications Commission voting yesterday to regulate Internet service. At the beginning of the month—December 1st—the Federal Trade Commission issued a report signaling its willingness to regulate online businesses. No, it’s not the fact that it’s December. It’s the fact that it’s after November. November—that’s the month when we had the mid-term election. The FCC and FTC appear to have held off coming out with their regulatory proposals ahead of the elections because the Obama administration couldn’t afford any more evidence that it heavily favors government control of the economy and society. There was already plen... Cato-at-liberty blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4281300 Wed, 22 Dec 2010 14:29:57 +0100 4281300 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4233422&cid=t_140416_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2FC-wivyYh71k%2F For the past year, Watson Pharmaceutical ceo Paul Bisaro has argued the Federal Trade Commission abused its power in attempting to stop a pay-for-delay deal. And he giddily thumbed his nose at the agency by refusing to comply with a subpoena that sought to compel him to testify in connection with an investigation into the deal. Late last week, however, a federal judge burst his bubble by ruling that he failed to demonstrate” the subpoena “would be burdensome at all, let alone unduly so.” Here’s the background: in court papers, Bisaro claimed the FTC harassed Watson and used confidential FDA info to force Watson into a deal with Apotex, another generic drugmaker, to sell a version of Cephalon’s Provigil, a sleep-disorder drug. Bisaro asserted the FTC initiated its investigati... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4233422 Mon, 06 Dec 2010 13:34:19 +0100 4233422 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4233424&cid=t_140416_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2F69Q-JUDmm-A%2F Welcome to the working week. We hope the weekend was refreshing and restful, although now, of course, the routine resumes. To prepare, we are brewing the mandatory cup of stimulation. Meanwhile, we would like to note that we are hosting a webinar on Thurs., Dec. 9 about the FDA’s Accelerated Approval process (please look here). Please join us. And now, the news of the world. Have a great day and if you run into Jeff Kindler, please send our regards… Celgene Stock Hurt By Revlimid Cancer Data (TheStreet) Elan Replaces Martin With Former Glaxo CEO Ingram (Bloomberg News) AstraZeneca Bloodthinner Gets EU Approval (Reuters) FDA Delays Decision On Benlysta Lupus Med (Associated Press) China To Lead Innovation By 2020: AstraZeneca Survey (PharmaTimes) (Source: Pharmalot) Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4233424 Mon, 06 Dec 2010 12:45:55 +0100 4233424 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4220452&cid=t_140416_150_f&fid=34889&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpharmamkting.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F12%2Fnew-media-new-ways-to-track-you-online.html Citing privacy concerns, the Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Commerce, Trade and Consumer Protection will hold a hearing tomorrow (December 2, 2010) on the feasibility of establishing a "Do Not Track" registry for the Internet.Today, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) will release its much-anticipated privacy report calling for a "do-not-track" tool for Web browsers (see "New Media Privacy Issues & Online Health Marketing" media advisory).Also today, privacy wonks are meeting in Washington, DC at the National Press Club conference "The Future of Online Consumer Protections." Topics for discussion include:Protecting consumers while they surf the web: How to make a "Do Not Track Me" list work and other ideas.How costs can be cut with electronic medical records while still maintaining pat... Pharma Marketing Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4220452 Wed, 01 Dec 2010 13:14:00 +0100 4220452 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4207339&cid=t_140416_109_f&fid=34761&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedblitz.com%2F%7E%2F22441660%2F0%2Fneuromarketing%7ENeuromarketing-Pharma-Threat.htm Some people find drug company marketing reprehensible, and apparently nobody more so than these four organizations: the Center for Digital Democracy, U.S. PIRG, Consumer Watchdog, and the World Privacy Forum. They have filed a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission accusing drug companies of everything except kidnapping and insider trading. The complaint runs to 144-pages, [...] CommentsCommentsRelated StoriesLove BrandingSubliminal MotivationAvoid the Corner of Death! (Source: Neuromarketing) Neuromarketing blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4207339 Mon, 29 Nov 2010 11:01:32 +0100 4207339 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4207502&cid=t_140416_150_f&fid=34889&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpharmamkting.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F11%2Fis-your-digital-marketing-solution.html After a day of cooking, I spent the remainder of the Thanksgiving Holiday weekend reading and highlighting sections of the 144-page brief that the Center for Digital Democracy (CDD) filed with the FTC on Thanksgiving eve (see "Center for Digital Democracy Challenges FTC to Reign In Online Pharma Marketing"). This document -- now in the public domain (find it here) -- is perhaps one of the BEST reviews of healthcare-related digital marketing techniques that I have ever seen! I recommend that ALL pharma marketers read it to learn which companies to contact to help them do a better job reaching online consumers and physicians. There were several companies and products mentioned that I have not heard of. In that regard, this brief -- negative though it may be -- is a promotional boon for these... Pharma Marketing Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4207502 Sun, 28 Nov 2010 20:00:00 +0100 4207502 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4197356&cid=t_140416_150_f&fid=34889&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpharmamkting.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F11%2Fcenter-for-digital-democracy-challenges.html Today, the Center for Digital Democracy filed a 144-page brief with the FTC challenging that agency to investigate its charges that Google, Microsoft, QualityHealth, WebMD, Yahoo, AOL, HealthCentral, Healthline, Everyday Health, and other health marketers -- including major pharmaceutical companies -- have "unleashed an arsenal of techniques to track and profile consumers" in an unfair and deceptive manner.In the brief, which you can download here (huge pdf file), the CDD urges the FTC to "immediately conduct a thorough investigation and analysis of contemporary Digital Direct Marketing to Consumers of drug and health-related products and information. In addition to seeking the appropriate injunctions and other relief, we also urge the FTC to issue a report and recommendations designed to ... Pharma Marketing Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4197356 Tue, 23 Nov 2010 22:15:00 +0100 4197356 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4197362&cid=t_140416_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2FU2jO9cXPUTo%2F The US Federal Trade Commission is being asked by four consumer and privacy watchdog groups to investigate what they describe as allegedly “unfair and deceptive advertising practices” that consumers confront when they attempt to gather health info online. The move comes as the FDA grapples with formulating rules for how the pharmaceutical industry can adopt social media. “Health consumers are being told that by using digital media services they have become empowered ‘e-patients,’ but they are not being informed about the privacy and potential health risks connected with the use of digital marketing of pharmaceuticals and health products,” according to the 144-page complaint filed today with the FTC by the Center for Digital Democracy, US PIRG, Consumer ... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4197362 Tue, 23 Nov 2010 18:20:17 +0100 4197362 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4119717&cid=t_140416_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2FMG3RQRES24g%2F Will Congress ever pass a bill that limits pay-to-delay deals? The Federal Trade Commission has been trying to convince Congress for months to do so, but opposition is mounting. Five Democratic Senators are objecting to a bill recently passed by the Senate Appropriations Committee because it contains a provision that would restrict these patent settlements (see this). In a letter to Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, the endangered Nevada Democrat, and Appropriations Committee chairman Daniel Inouye, a Democrat from Hawaii, the Democrats say they have “substantive concerns with the content” of the provision and that the decision to include it in the appropriations bill “contradicts both the spirit and the letter of the Senate rules” (see the letter). Why bother to ... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4119717 Thu, 28 Oct 2010 21:34:10 +0100 4119717 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4031243&cid=t_140416_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fmarketing-direct-to-e-patient%2F2010.10.04 Patients are the new darling of the medical-industrial complex. If you look around you will see patients advocating for one another. If you click a little closer you’ll find some with relationships to industry. It makes perfect sense that the manufacturer of a drug or medical device would want the blessings of our nascent cybercelebs. Some want genuine patient input.  Some, however, want to curry their favor. Chock up influence of the patient population as evidence of social health’s evolving maturity. A couple of questions: Will industry be required to publicly list monies used for sponsorship, travel and swag support of high profile patients in the social sphere? Should high visibility patients who serve as stewards and advocates disavow themselves of contact with pharma just as... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4031243 Mon, 04 Oct 2010 20:00:52 +0100 4031243 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3946687&cid=t_140416_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2FT2IYaC17BMc%2F In yet another blow to the US Federal Trade Commission, a federal appeals court has refused to reconsider its ruling last April that upheld the legality of so-called pay-for-delay deals that thwart the introduction of generic rivals (here is the order). However, in a dissenting opinion, Justice Rosemary Pooler writes that the issue must ultimately be decided by the US Supreme Court, given the conflicting outcomes in various cases. The initial ruling by the US Second Circuit Court of Appeals was made after reviewing a deal in which Bayer paid Barr Pharmaceuticals, which is now owned by Teva Pharmaceuticals, to drop its patent challenge to the Cipro antibiotic. Barr challenged the Cipro patent in October 1991 and struck a deal with Bayer in January 1997, about two weeks before the case was s... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3946687 Wed, 08 Sep 2010 12:03:05 +0100 3946687 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3862009&cid=t_140416_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Ffda-warning-industrial-bleach-as-a-cure-for-cancer-and-hiv%2F2010.08.12 On the heels of Scott Gavura’s superb post on dietary supplement regulation in the U.S. and Canada, I bring you one of the most egregious and obscene product cases I have seen in 15 years of teaching on botanical and non-botanical products: Miracle Mineral Solution. Please accept my apologies in advance for not having a scholarly post for you – this is just too unbelievable not to share with science-based medicine readers. (more…) *This blog post was originally published at Science-Based Medicine* (Source: Better Health) Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3862009 Thu, 12 Aug 2010 22:00:48 +0100 3862009 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3802587&cid=t_140416_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2FsYwntWuqtGs%2F Despite various legislative and courtroom setbacks, FTC commish Jon Leibowitz insists there is reason to be optimistic that so-called pay-to-delay deals may soon be a thing of the past. In testimony this week before the House Committee on the Judiciary’s Subcommittee on Courts and Competition Policy, he appeared to see blue skies on his horizon and went so far as to say the ‘tide may be turning.’ For instance, he cited a recent ruling by the US Second Circuirt Court of Appeals, which actually upheld the legality of pay-for-delay deals, but at the same time, took the unusual step of inviting entities that purchase drugs and had challenged a particular deal to ask for that case to be reviewed by the full circuit, citing the “exceptional importance” of the antitrust impl... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3802587 Thu, 29 Jul 2010 12:47:40 +0100 3802587 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3767314&cid=t_140416_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2FVAkuw91uRH4%2F Two months ago, Paul Bisaro, the ceo of Watson Pharmaceuticals, made a sensational charge against the Federal Trade Commission - in court papers, he accused the agency of abusing its power in attempting to stop pay-for-delay deals. Bisaro claimed the FTC harassed his company and used confidential FDA info to force Watson to strike a deal with Apotex, another generic drugmaker, to sell a version of Cephalon’s Provigil, a sleep-disorder drug. The FTC is challenging a 2005 deal between Cephalon and several generic drugmakers that were paid $300 million by arguing the payments bought market exclusivity. The FTC issued a subpoena last year and sought to compel Bisaro to respond to questions in connection with an investigation into that deal, although he refused to testify. Bisaro claims the F... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3767314 Mon, 19 Jul 2010 12:23:08 +0100 3767314 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3730095&cid=t_140416_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2FyREbKSL71QY%2F A watchdog group has asked the Federal Trade Commission to investigate contract pricing arrangements that Merck and Sanofi-Pasteur offer physician practices. In a letter to the FTC, the Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington allege the vaccine makers offer docs significant discounts, but only after signing contracts prohibiting them from purchase vaccines made by rivals. To make its case, CREW cites memos and emails written by four different physician groups in which its doctors are reminded to purchase only vaccines from Sanofi-Pasteur or Merck if they want to obtain the best prices. The vaccines include Merck’s Gardasil for HPV, Rotateq for rotavirus, and Recombivax for hepatitis B, while the Sanofi vaccines include several products, notably Menactra for meningitis. C... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3730095 Tue, 06 Jul 2010 15:25:47 +0100 3730095 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3721960&cid=t_140416_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2F28WlTkAyHMw%2F A proposal to end those controversial ‘pay-to-delay’ deals between brand-name and generic drugmakers was passed by the House of Representatives last night as part of a measure to fund wars. Ironic, yes? Or maybe appropriate. In any event, the bill now goes to the Senate, Bloomberg News reports. Under the proposal, drugmakers could be fined if the Federal Trade Commission or the courts determine they struck deals to preserve a brand-name drug patent by delaying introduction of a lower-priced generic equivalent (see page 74). This is “just another signal of the growing support in Congress for ending this unconscionable behavior by some pharmaceutical companies,” FTC chairman Jon Leibowitz tells the news service. The FTC, you may recall, has made a mission of ending these dea... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3721960 Fri, 02 Jul 2010 12:55:23 +0100 3721960 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3648802&cid=t_140416_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2FEpJ0J1P_UBk%2F Hello, everyone. Nice to see you again. A spot of rain is falling here on the Pharmalot corporate campus, but our spirits remain sunny. We look forward, in fact, to a productive day filled with interesting items and interesting meetings. Hopefully, your day will be as fruitful. To help you along, here are some snippets from the news of the world. Have a good one… Hospira Approved For 2nd Biogeneric (Reuters) CVS Will Eliminate Walgreen From PBM Network (Associated Press) Glaxo Buys Argentine Drugmaker (Reuters) Senators Press FTC On Watson Allegations (Dow Jones) Glaxo Says Reports Of Irish Ops Review Are Inaccurate (InPharmaTechnologist) Human Genome Says Cancer Drug Failed To Improve Survival (Reuters) Unitaid Launches Patent Pool For HIV/AIDS Drugs (ICTSD) (Source: Pharmalot) Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3648802 Thu, 10 Jun 2010 11:44:18 +0100 3648802 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3629865&cid=t_140416_150_f&fid=34889&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpharmamkting.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F06%2Fkellogg-engages-in-serial-advertising.html "Leading cereal maker Kellogg Company has agreed to new advertising restrictions to resolve a Federal Trade Commission (FTC) investigation into questionable immunity-related claims for Rice Krispies cereal," said FTC in a press release (see "FTC Investigation of Rice Krispies Ad Claims"). "This is the second time in the last year that the FTC has taken action against the company."What's disturbing is the fact that Kellog went ahead with its questionable Rice Krispies campaign while being investigated by the FTC for other "cereal" health claims:"We are concerned that while Kellogg was developing its questionable Rice Krispies campaign last year, it was simultaneously negotiating with the FTC to resolve earlier allegations that the company had deceptively marketed Frosted Mini-Wheats as impr... Pharma Marketing Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3629865 Fri, 04 Jun 2010 11:44:00 +0100 3629865 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3607817&cid=t_140416_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2FTSbBPhHxMwU%2F Here’s a sensational accusation for you. Paul Bisaro, the ceo of Watson Pharmaceuticals, filed papers in federal court the other day accusing the Federal Trade Commission of abusing its power in attempting to stop pay-for-delay deals, which the agency argues are anti-competitive and, therefore, harm consumers (see background). Bisaro claims the FTC harassed his company and used confidential FDA info in an effort to force Watson to strike a deal with Apotex, another generic drugmaker, to sell a version of Cephalon’s Provigil, a sleep-disorder drug. The FTC is challenging a 2005 deal between Cephalon and several generic drugmakers that were paid $300 million by arguing the payments bought market exclusivity. His charge follows a subpoena sought last year by the FTC to compel Bis... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3607817 Thu, 27 May 2010 18:06:48 +0100 3607817 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3599738&cid=t_140416_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2FOgrZm0fTE7A%2F Rise and shine. Another day awaits. And who knows what lies ahead? Meetings? Deadlines? Unexpected tidbits of information? We can relate. So grab a cup of stimulation - or perhaps, a bottle of water, since it will be rather sticky today in the greater Pharmalot metropolitan region - and dive in. As always, here are some items to ease the process. Have a great day everyone and stay in touch… UK’s NICE Won’t Cover Bayer Liver Cancer Drug (Bloomberg News) AMRI Cuts US Workforce 10% And Shifts Jobs To Asia (OutsourcingPharma) FTC Commish Remains Bullish On Ending Pay-To-Delay Deals (PharmaTimes) Dennis Quaid Sues Baxter Over Heparin Overdose (USA Today) Merck Will Not Raise Its Dividend (Associated Press) Sanofi-Aventis Will Reassign Global Media Ad Duties (MM&M) Photo t... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3599738 Wed, 26 May 2010 11:48:29 +0100 3599738 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3538075&cid=t_140416_87_f&fid=36438&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FCato-at-liberty%2F%7E3%2FZqxmoUScElE%2F By Walter OlsonI’m usually in enthusiastic accord with our friends over at the Competitive Enterprise Institute, but it seems to me they’ve made a mistake by petitioning the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to crack down on GM’s ridiculous “we repaid our federal loan” ad. Some zealous enforcers would love for the FTC to do more to regulate speech by American business on matters of public concern, and it seems to me the last thing we should do is encourage such a trend. For those who came in late, General Motors and its CEO Ed Whitmire were widely and rightly assailed here and elsewhere for asserting (in a column whose message was repeated in much-played TV ads) that the company had repaid its bailout loan “in full, with interest, years ahead of schedule.&#... Cato-at-liberty blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3538075 Wed, 05 May 2010 19:11:47 +0100 3538075 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3302634&cid=t_140416_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2Fk55qOTJU1vI%2F A federal judge dismissed an antitrust lawsuit filed by the Federal Trade Commission against Abbott Labs’s Solvay Pharmaceuticals unit for allegedly conspiring with several generic drug makers to delay competition for its AndroGel testosterone-replacement med (here is the ruling). The ruling is a setback for the agency, which has been pushing aggressively to end so-called pay-to-delay deals (look here). The White House, in fact, included a proposal to make these agreements illegal as part of its health care reform package (see here). The FTC alleged Solvay entered into illegal deals with Watson Pharmaceuticals, Par Pharmaceutical and Paddock Labs to delay introduction of a generic AndroGel. The generics sought FDA approval and, in their submissions, noted their copycats wouldn’... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3302634 Wed, 24 Feb 2010 12:45:00 +0100 3302634 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3239813&cid=t_140416_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2F_ECqsUBQhaY%2F In response to recent merger activity, the agency is seeking a budget of $314 million, which amounts to a 22 percent increase, in fiscal year 2011. This would pay for 1,207 full-time staff members, up from 40 this year, and would include 17 people to “maintain competition.” Of those, nine would be tasked with the “increased workload” caused by increasingly complex mergers, notably in pharma, health care, energy and technology. And four of the nine would oversee pharma and tech deals. “Preventing anticompetitive pharmaceutical mergers will continue to be an important priority for the FTC and a vital way to protect consumers from rising drug prices,” the agency wrote in its budget summary. As The Pink Sheet notes, the White House has already shown interest... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3239813 Thu, 04 Feb 2010 13:18:39 +0100 3239813 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3172204&cid=t_140416_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2Fu3dE2MMWZAo%2F Earlier today, the Federal Trade Commissioner Jon Leibowitz held a press conference to deride the ongoing practice in which brand-name drugmakers offer cash or some other inducement to their generic rivals which, in turn, agree to delay the marketing of lower-cost copycat meds. “Pay-for-delay deals are a bad prescription for America: when drug companies agree not to compete, consumers lose,” Leibowitz says in a statement. “Ending this practice as part of heal care reform is one simple, effective, and straightforward way for Congress to help control drug costs.” However, the Generic Pharmaceutical Association is on record as saying the deals give generic makers the right to enter the market before the patent on a brand-name drug expires, giving consumers earlier access to affordabl... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3172204 Wed, 13 Jan 2010 18:57:56 +0100 3172204 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3167443&cid=t_140416_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2FzFPXsQVcoi8%2F In his never-ending quest, FTC commish Jon Leibowitz will hold a press conference today to ask Congress to include a provision in the health care reform bill to end deals in which brand-name drugmakers offer payments or other inducments to generic rivals to delay copycat versions of best-selling meds. He’ll be appearing at the Rayburn House Office Building in Washington, DC, at 12:30 along with several members of the House, which has already included a ban in its own bill. The Congressional Budget Office, you may recall, recently estimated that the House provision could save the government $1.8 billion in health costs over the next 10 years (see here). The Senate version does not include a ban (see here), although nine Democrats last month sent a letter to majority leader Harry Reid ... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3167443 Wed, 13 Jan 2010 15:15:00 +0100 3167443 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3067164&cid=t_140416_114_f&fid=34646&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ftc.gov%2Fbcp%2Fworkshops%2Fprivacyroundtables%2FpersonalDataEcosystem.pdf Over the next couple of months the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) will be hosting the Exploring Privacy: A Roundtable Services.The roundtable discussions are day-long public roundtable discussions to explore the privacy challenges posed by the vast array of 21st century technology and business practices that collect and use consumer data.The FTC indicates that the "roundtable discussions will cover topics including social networking, cloud computing, online behavioral advertising, mobile marketing, and the collection and use of information by retailers, data brokers, third-party applications, and other diverse businesses. The goal of the roundtables is to determine how best to protect consumer privacy while supporting beneficial uses of the information and technological innovation."More in... Health Care Law Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3067164 Tue, 08 Dec 2009 15:35:41 +0100 3067164 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3052127&cid=t_140416_87_f&fid=36438&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FCato-at-liberty%2F%7E3%2FYBvsqTfHpCo%2F The Associated Press reports: The federal government is wading into deliberations over the future of journalism as printed newspapers, television stations and other traditional media outlets suffer from Americans’ growing reliance on the Internet. With the media business in a state of economic distress as audiences and advertisers migrate online, the Federal Trade Commission began a two-day workshop Tuesday to examine the profound challenges facing media companies and explore ways the government can help them survive. Media executives taking part are looking for a new business model for an industry that is watching traditional advertising revenue dry up, without online revenue growing quickly enough to replace it. Government officials want to protect a critical pillar of democracy—... Cato-at-liberty blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3052127 Wed, 02 Dec 2009 19:43:21 +0100 3052127 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3045023&cid=t_140416_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2F0jJwPStVWMc%2F The drugmakers finally found a way to resolve litigation that began a decade ago over Abbott Labs’ TriCor cholesterol drug, which generated more than $1 billion in US sales last year. Teva sought to sell a generic version, but as part of their settlement, agreed to postpone such a move untill March 2011. Terms, however, weren’t disclosed in this SEC filing made by Abbott. An Abbott spokeswoman tells The Wall Street Journal that Teva isn’t being paid to delay selling a generic, and calls the deal a “pure licensing agreement.” Laboratoires Fournier SA of France, which discovered the drug, also agreed to the settlement. For the record, drugmakers have often struck deals with generic rivals in which they agreed to make a payment or offered them something else to ... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3045023 Tue, 01 Dec 2009 12:50:29 +0100 3045023 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3008401&cid=t_140416_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2FnauR90jH7zA%2F Who? Julie Brill, who was Vermont’s assistant attorney general for consumer protection and antitrust, where she spearheaded efforts to publicize pharma payments to docs and reign in some marketing practices, The Pink Sheet writes*. She championed, for instance, a controversial data mining law (see here). Brill worked in Vermont from 1988 to 2009 before moving earlier this year to North Carolina, where she is senior deputy attorney general in charge of the consumer protection division. If she makes the cut, she will become one of five FTC commissioners. Full disclosure: Ed Silverman is an editor at The Pink Sheet (* - subscription required) (Source: Pharmalot) Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3008401 Thu, 19 Nov 2009 12:41:10 +0100 3008401 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2989407&cid=t_140416_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2FEPI2fCRrB0I%2F The Federal Trade Commission is concerned that some brand-name drugmakers are declining to supply some bulk ingredients to their generic rivals which, of course, want to use materials to make copies of more expensive meds, The Wall Street Journal writes. Meanwhile, GlaxoSmithKline cites a federal drug-safety program as its reason for declining to supply bulk quantities of certain drugs, the paper continues. Why? They maintain the generics aren’t authorized to buy drugs under the program, the paper continues. Naturally, the generics calls this a transparent excuse to block competition. “We’re going to be very concerned about any practice that could increase prescription-drug costs to American consumers,” FTC chairman Jon Leibowitz tells the Journal, although he decl... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2989407 Fri, 13 Nov 2009 13:05:58 +0100 2989407 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2967534&cid=t_140416_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2F0b02OK25ACY%2F After a long and busy week, a little downtime is in order. What will you be doing this weekend? The pumpkin patches are likely empty, so perhaps raking leaves is the thing to do - the exercise can’t hurt and leaf blowers, after all, are noisy. Or perhaps a long walk with the dog? Maybe toss a football? Our agenda includes another installment in the nostalgic ‘See-Them-Before-They-Die’ concert series. Meanwhile, a few more deadlines and what-not beckon. So here you go, and enjoy, everyone… Glaxo Gets WHO Approval For Pneumoccocal Vaccine (Reuters) Genmab Cuts 300 Jobs Amid Reorganization (Dow Jones) CVS Is Being Investigated By The FTC (Associated Press) J&J Patent Victory Over Abbott Labs Is Upheld (Bloomberg) Photo courtesy of Flickr Creative Commons Joe S (S... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2967534 Fri, 06 Nov 2009 12:40:08 +0100 2967534 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2865695&cid=t_140416_105_f&fid=38964&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdrwes.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F10%2Fgrand-rounds-is-up.html ... over at the excellent Pallimed: A Hospice and Palliative Medicine blog:Welcome to Grand Rounds, a weekly round-up of the best of the medical blogosphere. We here at Pallimed (Drew, Lyle, Amy, Amber and myself) are honored to be hosting Grand Rounds for the 3rd time. For the history books here are the 2007 (theme: prognostication) and 2008 editions. The theme this week is "The Art of Medicine and Nursing" in honor of our sister blog Pallimed: Arts and Humanities.Oh, and for the FTC, I was not paid anything in kind to promote this.-WesMusings of a cardiologist and cardiac electrophysiologist. (Source: Dr. Wes) Dr. Wes blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2865695 Tue, 06 Oct 2009 18:27:00 +0100 2865695 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2865641&cid=t_140416_87_f&fid=36438&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FCato-at-liberty%2F%7E3%2FqKJtIi6Cw_w%2F Lovers of free speech should feel their stomachs turn when they look at the actions of the Federal Trade Commission and Federal Communications Commission these days. Not that they took a sharp turn with the Obama administration, or with the chairmanships of Jon Leibowitz or Jules Genachowski. These are run-of-the-mill bureaucracies, constantly reaching for new powers, nevermind even constitutional limits on the federal government’s authority. Item 1: Blogger, You’re an Advertiser Now Via the L.A. Times blog, the FTC issued a guidance document yesterday requiring bloggers who write testimonials about products to disclose large gifts or payments, or they will run afoul of the FTC’s regulations on advertising. Is that the right thing to do? Yep. Is that an appropriate thing to r... Cato-at-liberty blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2865641 Tue, 06 Oct 2009 13:20:13 +0100 2865641 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2778691&cid=t_140416_150_f&fid=38374&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FePharmaSummit%2F%7E3%2FIKzN4Uez9ag%2Fglimpse-at-world-without-rules-in.html (Source: ePharma Summit) ePharma Summit blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2778691 Tue, 08 Sep 2009 20:27:00 +0100 2778691 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2576782&cid=t_140416_131_f&fid=35743&url=http%3A%2F%2Fthegenesherpa.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F07%2Ftuesdays-doc-getting-bamboozled-in.html Warning! If you don't want to hear me go off on the Public Relations and Journalism field, click away now!!!!! Now!!! Seriously, now. For centuries advertising and journalism have existed. In fact there relationship has been one of symbiosis. Think about, papers can't print without money, the money often doesn't come from subscribers, it comes from advertisement's..........This is one of the big reasons why papers are dying. Online Media Outlets just keep seeing the money flow in though......... Why pay to get marketed to? That is essentially what the savvy news reader is saying.....which is why they have turned away from newspapers and turned towards blogs and twitter......what used to be the gold standard of journalism is now being exposed as a piece of paper for rent to the highest bid... Gene Sherpas: Personalized Medicine and You blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2576782 Tue, 07 Jul 2009 11:37:00 +0100 2576782 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2561484&cid=t_140416_131_f&fid=35743&url=http%3A%2F%2Fthegenesherpa.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F06%2Finfer-game.html What really gets me upset is that marketing people infer something but don't outright make a claim.They do this because to make a claim which isn't true is grounds for the FTC to investigate you, but if you "infer" something, you don't make the claim.... Why do I jump on this?Because I don't play "infer" for my patients.In fact, health information and healthcare is too important to "infer" anything. You cannot manipulate peoples' trust in you....Either we can justify via science and current medical practice or we cannot. Why let people dangle in the wind with false information..... But this little game is nothing new. Vitamin hucksters and weight loss supplements play this "infer" game too.....so I guess the DTC genomics companies want to be seen as Hucksters....otherwise, why infer someth... Gene Sherpas: Personalized Medicine and You blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2561484 Tue, 30 Jun 2009 19:43:00 +0100 2561484 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2512312&cid=t_140416_131_f&fid=35743&url=http%3A%2F%2Fthegenesherpa.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F06%2Fwatch-out-corporate-bloggers-ftc-is-on.html Now not only am I bashing corporate bloggers (Some may even call me corporate) Now the Federal Trade Commission has gotten into the game. It turns out that the FTC is on to the game of freebies for good blogging.So to all of you who took free Navi or 23andMx or DeCodeme scans in hopes of them getting good press on your blog, you may have some issues. At least if you are in the US..... From the Yahoo News What some fail to realize, though, is that such reviews can be tainted: Many bloggers have accepted perks such as free laptops, trips to Europe, $500 gift cards or even thousands of dollars for a 200-word post. Bloggers vary in how they disclose such freebies, if they do so at all. The practice has grown to the degree that the Federal Trade Commission is paying attention. New gui... Gene Sherpas: Personalized Medicine and You blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2512312 Tue, 23 Jun 2009 12:15:00 +0100 2512312 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2399213&cid=t_140416_150_f&fid=34889&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpharmamkting.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F05%2Fgsk-erroneous-50-discount-promise-and.html Wow! GSK just had a PR catastrophe!FiercePharma and other online news outlets earlier today published a press release from GSK (originally distributed through PRWeb) that said the company was offering a 50 percent discount on meds for U.S. patients who are uninsured "no matter a patient's income level or whether he or she qualifies for public programs" (see archive here).I immediately tweeted the news via Twitter and a few of my 1200 or so Twitter pals retweeted (RT'd) and a few of THEIR friends RT'd and so on. As a consequence, it appears that GSK was besieged by calls from consumers seeking more information.Unfortunately, GSK says it was all a mistake!According to FiercePharma (see here):"A GSK spokesperson, as well as a PRWeb manager, contacted us to say that the release was published i... Pharma Marketing Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2399213 Thu, 07 May 2009 19:57:00 +0100 2399213 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2376434&cid=t_140416_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2FEavTuUVhM1A%2F Several recent articles and news: Brain Gain: the underground world of “neuroenhancing” drugs‎ (The New Yorker) - "Alex remains enthusiastic about Adderall, but he also has a slightly jaundiced critique of it. “It only works as a cognitive enhancer insofar as you are dedicated to accomplishing the task at hand,” he said. “The number of times I’ve taken Adderall late at night and decided that, rather than starting my paper, hey, I’ll organize my entire music library! I’ve seen people obsessively cleaning their rooms on it.” Alex thought that generally the drug helped him to bear down on his work, but it also tended to produce writing with a characteristic flaw. “Often, I’ve looked back at papers I’ve written on Adderall, and they’re verbose. They’re belabo... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2376434 Mon, 27 Apr 2009 00:59:05 +0100 2376434 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2348921&cid=t_140416_114_f&fid=34646&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ftc.gov%2Fos%2F2009%2F04%2FR911002healthbreach.pdf This study and report must be completed by February 2010. In the interim, the Act requires the Commission to issue a temporary rule requiring these entities to notify consumers if the security of their health information is breached. The proposed rule the Commission is announcing today is the first step in implementing this requirement.In keeping with the Recovery Act, the proposed rule requires vendors of personal health records and related entities to provide notice to consumers following a breach. The proposed rule also stipulates that if a service provider to one of these entities experiences a breach, it must notify the entity, which in turn must notify consumers of the breach. The proposed rule contains additional requirements governing the standard for what triggers the notice, as w... Health Care Law Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2348921 Fri, 17 Apr 2009 16:01:10 +0100 2348921 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2341816&cid=t_140416_147_f&fid=35750&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FHealthCareVox%2F%7E3%2FCPnQGzcg4FM%2Fpending_federal_trade_commissi.html In the pharmaceutical marketing arena, people have been paying a lot of attention to the lack of Food and Drug Administration guidance on social media marketing.  However, less attention has been directed toward another regulatory body, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), which is moving quickly to regulate common online marketing activities such as behavioral targeting and social media marketing.  On April 2, the Financial Times reported that the FTC is planning on updating its regulations regarding “false and misleading advertising” for the social media age. According to the publication: "Advertisers in the US are bracing themselves for regulatory changes that they fear will curtail their efforts to tap into the fast-growing online social media phenomenon. Revi... HealthCareVox blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2341816 Mon, 13 Apr 2009 16:07:53 +0100 2341816 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2204961&cid=t_140416_114_f&fid=34646&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.hhs.gov%2Focr%2Fprivacy%2Fhipaa%2Fenforcement%2Fexamples%2Fcvsresagrcap.pdf This week's settlement by CVS, the nations largest retail pharmacy chain, to pay the U.S. government a $2.25 million settlement and take corrective action highlights the need for providers and other covered entities to focus on the simple privacy protections such as appropriately disposing of patient information in a secure manner. The first known joint investigation and settlement by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) with CVS was the result of CVS failing to guard patients PHI when disposing of patient information such as identifying information on pill bottle labels. . The review and settlement under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) Privacy Rule by OCR and the FTC indicated that: CVS failed... Health Care Law Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2204961 Fri, 20 Feb 2009 14:03:49 +0100 2204961 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2195227&cid=t_140416_117_f&fid=36026&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Fzimney-health-and-medical-news-you-can-use%2Fkinoki-detox-foot-pads-officially-a-scam%2F The first time I came across Kinoki detox foot pads I knew immediately that they were a scam and wrote a piece in these pages entitled “Kinoki detox foot pads - a scambuster report.”  In that blog I went so far as to say that Kinoki foot pads were such a blatant scam that they gave other scams a bad name. That blog became one of the most widely read items I’ve ever written, generating nearly 500 comments at last count. While some respondents disagreed and said that the pads had helped them, many writers agreed with my assessment of Kinoki as being a scam. Well, now the federal government has weighed in and guess what? They agree with me and have officially called Kinoki detox foot pads a scam. I’d always held that it was just a matter of time before the feds came d... Dr. Z's Medical Report blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2195227 Thu, 05 Feb 2009 22:44:49 +0100 2195227 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1943298&cid=t_140416_125_f&fid=34820&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.dentalblogs.com%2Farchives%2Fadministrator%2Fdentists-as-creditors-must-adhere-to-red-flag-rules-%25e2%2580%2593-compliance-delayed-six-months%2F The Federal Trade Commission (FTC), which regulates banks, and the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA) have delayed mandatory compliance with the Red Flag Rules for six months. Why should you care? As a dentist, if you extend or arrange to extend credit to any patient, you must comply with the Red Flag Rules. The purpose of the rules is to keep everyone safe from identity fraud/theft. Your dental practice will need to come up with a written program to identify the “red flags” of identity theft. According to the FTC website, “These may include, for example, unusual account activity, fraud alerts on a consumer report, or attempted use of suspicious account application documents. The program must also describe appropriate responses that would prevent and mitigate the... dental blog for dentists about dentistry blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1943298 Fri, 07 Nov 2008 14:47:26 +0100 1943298 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1245062&cid=t_140416_150_f&fid=34768&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpharmagossip.blogspot.com%2F2008%2F02%2Fftc-crackdown-on-big-pharma-fortune.html For years, Big Pharma has kept competition from generic drug makers at bay by essentially paying its would-be rivals to stay out of its business. Now government watchdogs have declared war on these financial deals - a move that could bring cheaper drugs to market faster while costing giant drug developers billions in lost revenue.Just last week the Federal Trade Commission launched a high-profile battle against Cephalon, the maker of the blockbuster narcolepsy medication Provigil, over a $200 million payout it gave to four generic companies in exchange for an agreement not to develop a competing medication. In a lawsuit filed in federal court in Washington, D.C., the FTC claims that the deal violates antitrust law.The deals behind the FTC crackdown have become increasingly common ever sinc... PharmaGossip blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1245062 Wed, 20 Feb 2008 11:07:00 +0100 1245062 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=803607&cid=t_140416_150_f&fid=34889&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpharmamkting.blogspot.com%2F2007%2F08%2Frozerems-cheapskate-sweepstakes.html Desperate times call for desperate measures.No, I'm not talking about the "War on Terror." I am talking about about Takeda's war to win market share for its beleaguered sleep aid, Rozerem.Regular readers of this blog know that I have criticized the Rozerem DTC campaign as ineffective and operating in negative ROI (return on investment) mode (see "Rozerem Ad Spending Exceeds Sales!").But I am not the only one to see problems with the current Rozerem ad campaign. Recently, I spoke with Lee Weinblatt, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of the PreTesting Company, which tests the effectiveness of DTC and other ads (listen to this Pharma Marketing Talk podcast interview with Lee)."Talking about dreams means nothing to older people who cannot sleep through the night," says Weinblatt. "They may k... Pharma Marketing Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=803607 Thu, 16 Aug 2007 12:19:00 +0100 803607