BREAKING: TELEGRAPH REPORTS THAT PFIZER HAS BEEN FOUND GUILTY, CONFESSED TO MISLEADING THE PUBLIC ON THEIR COVID-19 VACCINE EFFICACY
Pfizer Admits to Misleading UK Public on COVID-19 Vaccine Efficacy Following Watchdog's Guilt Finding
Note that in the original press releases regarding their vaccines, both Pfizer and Moderna failed to include the required language that should be seen in Forward Looking Statements. The SEC and FTC in the US should now take similar action against Pfizer. See MARCH 4 ruling here.
Credit and attributions of some details to Telegraph, specifically Camilla Turner.
In a pivotal moment for the pharmaceutical industry, Pfizer has found itself at the center of massive controversy following a damning verdict by the UK's Prescription Medicines Code of Practice Authority (PMCPA). The Telegraph has reported that the authority has accused Pfizer of discrediting the pharmaceutical sector through inappropriate social media promotions of its COVID-19 vaccine, which was unlicensed at the time of the posts.
The ruling stems from a series of tweets in November 2020 by senior Pfizer executives, including the UK medical director, Dr. Berkeley Phillips. These posts claimed the vaccine's efficacy rates without providing comprehensive safety information or referencing adverse events, leading to what the PMCPA described as the "proactive dissemination of unlicensed medicine."
This misconduct marks Pfizer's sixth reprimand from the PMCPA, underlining a pattern of behavior that has led to growing calls for reform within the regulatory framework overseeing pharmaceutical promotions. The most recent breaches encompassed not only misleading claims about the vaccine's efficacy and safety but also a failure to maintain the high standards expected within the industry.
BOURLA REPRIMANDED PREVIOUSLY
Pfizer CEO Albert Bourla had previously been chided for creating claims about COVID19 vaccine efficacy out of thin air. Here is the Telegraphs’ coverage.
Pfizer's UK spokesman responded to the PMCPA's findings with an acknowledgment of the issues raised and an apology, emphasizing the company's commitment to adhering to strict social media policies and regulatory codes. Pfizer has also initiated a review of its employees' use of social media to ensure compliance and prevent future incidents.
Critics, including Ben Kingsley from the campaign group UsForThem, argue that the penalties levied against Pfizer are insufficient given the seriousness of the offenses, suggesting a dire need for a more robust regulatory system. Meanwhile, David Watson of the Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry (ABPI) defended the existing code of practice, highlighting its role in setting high standards that surpass UK law.
The incident has led some to call for action by US regulators to hold vaccine manufacturers responsible in their communications about vaccine efficacy and safety, particularly on platforms with vast public reach.
Until execs start going to jail nothing will change.
Reprimanded.
Well, that sure ain't gonna raise the dead back up for us.
Sounds stern though. Nice and British. We need more impoliteness if we're ever gonna make 'em pay.