Tuesday, May 01, 2007

OIG REQUESTS MEETING WITH PFIZER HIV WHISTLEBLOWER.

The Pfizer whistleblower in my story "Pfizer whistleblower accuses company of using sales force to illegally market new AIDS-drug before FDA approval" has contacted the Office of Inspector General at the Department of Health and Human Services with her concerns about what she alleges is Pfizer's illegal premarketing of the HIV/AIDS drug maraviroc. The Pfizer whistleblower just forwarded the response she received from an agent at the OIG:

I just wanted to send you a quick note to let you know that I have
received your emails. I am still in trial, but I do want to meet with
you in the next week or two. I will contact you (probably later next
week) to set up a time to meet up. If you have any additional
informaiton, feel free to send it along.

Thanks!

Special Agent NAME REDACTED
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
Office of Inspector General
50 Kennedy Plaza, Suite 750
Providence, RI 02903
Phone: REDACTED
Fax: REDACTED


One reason the OIG is interested in this situation is that Pfizer has been forced to sign not just one, but two corporate integrity agreements (CIA) with this agency (download here), promising to conduct their business in an ethical manner.

Pfizer is obligated to notify the OIG of all "reportable events" within 30 days, such as suspicions of any illegal behavior. If Pfizer would not do this they would be in violation of the terms of the CIA and could receive fines, or, at worst, be excluded from federal health care programs.

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

Tell the whistleblower to move forward cautiously. [Scary to try to trust anybody in this realm.]


But do let her know that there are far more on her side and supporting her than could EVER be against her.

She's a real hero and probably saved more lives with her action and courage than she'll ever know-- while also stopping hordes of continued fraud against insurance companies and taxpayers by this kind of bullshit Pfizer is constantly pulling.

I know, from the inside, that nobody can report to HR at Pfizer without facing retaliation and being shown the door.

Tell her to document EVERYTHING both good and bad about her performance at the company and anything that will manifest when they finally show her the door that she was a great employee and only fired in retaliation for this noble action.

I hope she can find a shark of an attorney and sue the whole damn bunch from Kindler on down into oblivion!


These are VERY bad people she's taking on, and she's a real hero!