December 12, 2012 Media Contact: John Lucas Phone: (850) 245-0150

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TALLAHASSEE, Fla. –Attorney General Pam Bondi announced today that she and 33 other attorneys general reached a $42.9 million settlement with Pfizer Inc. resolving allegations that the company engaged in unfair and deceptive trade practices while promoting its drugs, Zyvox and Lyrica. The attorneys general alleged that Pfizer misled consumers through unsubstantiated claims for Zyvox, an antibacterial agent. Zyvox is used to treat certain types of infections, such as nosocomial pneumonia caused by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (“MRSA”) and related skin infections. Additionally, the attorneys general alleged that Pfizer unfairly and deceptively promoted Lyrica for off-label uses. As part of the consent judgment, Pfizer has agreed to reform how it markets and promotes Zyvox and Lyrica.

“By requiring Pfizer to change its marketing practices for Zyvox and Lyrica, we are ensuring that consumers will not be misled by claims about the drugs,” stated Attorney General Pam Bondi.

Under the consent judgment, Pfizer shall not:

· make any false, misleading, or deceptive claims when comparing the efficacy or safety of Zyvox to vancomycin;
· promote any Pfizer product for off-label uses;
· fail to design financial incentives that ensure that its marketing personnel are not motivated to engage in improper marketing of Zyvox or Lyrica; or
· fail to notify its sales force promptly of any warning letter received from the FDA that affects sales representatives in the promotion of Pfizer products.