- http://www.pharmalot.com/2012/10/suboxone-strategy-protecting-patients-or-profits/
- http://www.pharmalot.com/2012/10/suboxone-strategy-protecting-patients-or-profits/
- http://www.pharmalot.com/2012/11/astrazeneca-ptsd-and-a-buried-seroquel-study/
List date(s) this work was published or aired.
May 2, 2012; Oct. 11, 2012; Nov. 8, 2012
Provide a brief synopsis of the story or stories, including any significant findings.
The stories illustrate the extent to which drugmakers sometimes are willing to go to generate profits at the expense of patients, an issue that has haunted the pharmaceutical industry over the past several years. In two instances, stories revealed how clinical trial data, which revealed important side effect information, was never disclosed to the public, notably to the medical community. The third story The third story reports how a drugmaker maneuvered to keep generic competition at bay by throwing up regulatory roadblocks and using delay tactics that have meant consumers will continue to pay more for a brand-name medication.
Explain types of documents, data or Internet resources used. Were FOI or public records act requests required? How did this affect the work?
internal company documents, regulatory filings, medical journal articles, lawsuits
Explain types of human sources used.
sources inside the companies, physicians, lawyers, regulatory experts, academic researchers, analyst and industry experts.
Results:
Regarding one story – about the Mirapex drug – the FDA added a warning to the product labeling, citing data provided earlier by the company, but never disclosed to the medical community for independent review. Not aware of any other results
Follow-up (if any). Have you run a correction or clarification on the report or has anyone come forward to challenge its accuracy? If so, please explain.
Follow up stories appeared to the Mirapex and Suboxone stories when further developments occurred. There were no corrections or clarification to any of the stories.
Advice to other journalists planning a similar story or project.
Be prepared to absorb medical literature and regulatory guidelines and rulings. And find experts who are willing to not only explain information but also provide insight into implications.