GlaxoSmithKline endocrine/metabolic news
The state of Maryland sued GlaxoSmithKline in the Circuit Court for Baltimore City alleging that the pharma engaged in an illegal and deceptive marketing program for diabetes drug Avandia rosiglitazone. The state said GSK promoted Avandia in Maryland by "asserting without justification" that Avandia was superior to existing diabetes drugs in lowering diabetics' blood sugar and that Avandia could reduce cardiovascular risks. The state said GSK's misrepresentations, omissions and deceptive conduct caused Maryland to spend millions of dollars for purchasing and reimbursing Avandia, plus additional costs for the care and treatment of patients who took Avandia and suffered "undisclosed increased cardiovascular risks." Maryland is asking for over $75,000 in damages sustained by its state health programs, plus civil penalties for violations of the False Claims Acts and punitive damages. The state also requested a jury trial. Avandia is an oral thiazolidinedione (TZD) PPAR gamma agonist to enhance insulin sensitivity. ...