Monday, March 26, 2007

Pharmalot/NJ Star Ledger: "Anna Nicole Smith And...Peter Rost?"

By Ed Silverman

March 26, 2007

Anna Nicole Smith And...Peter Rost?

An unllikely pair, but there's speculation a connection exists.

First, let's take Peter Rost. He's the notorious former Pfizer exec who filed a whistleblower lawsuit against the drugmaker, alleging unlawful, off-label promotion of Genotropin, a human growth hormone treatment that he was responsible for marketing.

Now, poor Anna. The medical examiner's report, which was released today, indicates several prescription drugs, including human growth hormone, were ingested. Although the cause of death was overdose from methadone and antidepressants, her case may highlight HGH abuse.

As Rost notes on his own blog, HGH is prescribed for dwarfism and other growth deficiences, not the weight issues that plagued Anna Nicole. As Jim Edwards at BrandWeekNRX points out, this sordid publicity may work in Rost's favor. A federal appeals court is about to decide whether to let his lawsuit, which was denied last year a federal court judge, to proceed.

Hmm. Let's see. A corporate whistleblower. A drugmaker charged with nefarious behavior. A federal prosecutor. And an over-the-top dead celebrity and Playboy Playmate who looked like Marilyn Monroe. Sounds like a movie. Rost has said he wants to make a movie. Here's the script. Any guesses on who will play Hank McKinnell?

Peter Rost's blog;

Associated Press story about accidental overdose;

Medical examiner's report;

Hat tip to Jim Edwards at BrandWeek.

Posted by Ed Silverman

5 comments:

Anonymous said...

I'd hold off having another party until it's determined that it's Genotropin thats been obatined through illegal sources promoted by Pfizer. You might want to focus on the more viable alternatives such as Lilly, Genentech or Serono.

Peter Rost said...

I don't think someone dying is cause for a party. Nor is the source of interest. The point is that this raises awareness about the issues related to illegal marketing and prescription of growth hormone.

DietProzac said...

I was surprised when you didnt jump on the story(did i missed it?)about the Phil. Eagles(NFL) doc who admitted to purchasing an enormous amount of HGH for his elderly patients.

Of course such admission only occurred after his named surfaced in that Alabama pharmacy bust and made to save himself and the Eagles players from the wrath of the NFL.

Even if so, it the same off-label use isnt it?

Peter Rost said...

Yes, one is abuse for anti-aging the other to build muscle . . .

Anonymous said...

no one knows if she used HGH but she was looking great when she was alive.