Rep Dingell to FDA: Show me the records

Jan/24/2008 06:38 Filed in: Pharma Business Regulatory Environment
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With all that is troubling this country right now, the economy, the war, it's quite disturbing to read that Representative Dingel has asked the FDA for all the paperwork in their approval of the Lipitor ad with Dr Jarvik. But then this is politics and we need only remember that Pfizer decided to close a facility in Michigan thus drawing the ire of Rep Dingell who now wants to get even.



Let's be fair here; if the FDA has to look at the credentials in all TV ads then none of the ads would ever be approved. So Dr Jarvik is not a registered and practicing MD. It clearly states on the Lipitor website that he is the inventor of the artificial heart and is determined to fight heart disease because of what happened to his dad. Does Rep Dingell think that American consumers are so stupid that they would automatically trust what is said on a TV ad from the inventor of the artificial heart? Yes having Dr Jarvik adds some credibility but it's ultimately the patient and physician who determine the treatment options.


Now also lets remember that Pfizer has decided to close down a facility in Michigan, which is in Mr Dingells backyard. This of course upsets registered voters who in turn upset Mr Dingell. What better way to get back at Pfizer then to take advantage of the anti-pharma wave and challenge the FDA on the approval of the Lipitor ads. Pretty soon someone is going to challenge Sally Fields Boniva ad, I mean she is an actress and God knows we view them as credible spokespeople.


Michigan has been hit hard by the economic slowdown and Rep Dingell would do better looking at the people who caused the massive housing collapse then at why the FDA approved an ad, but then that would mean that our legislators are actually doing something substantial rather than blowing smoke.


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