Vermont Receives $2 Million in Pfizer Settlement

VERMONT — The Barre Montpelier Times Argus carries this story regarding the multistate settlement with Pfizer: Vermont gets $2 million in lawsuit.

According to the report...

"According to the state's complaint, Pfizer's painkiller Bextra had FDA approval for use in treating arthritis and menstrual pain, but Pfizer marketed it for use treating acute pain, pain associated with surgery and for reducing use of narcotic painkillers. The state referred to these as "off-label" uses.

The FDA pulled Bextra from the market in 2005 due to concerns it increased the risk of heart attacks and strokes. Published reports from the last week show Pfizer also paying $745 million to settle personal injury claims and $89 million for consumer fraud class-action lawsuits, all dealing with Bextra or Celebrex."

Pfizer did not admit to any wrongdoing in the settlement. For more information, click on this link: Vermont's share of Pfizer Settlement.

Vermont Readies for Electronic Medical Records

MONTPELIER, VT - This Rutland Herald article, Health records swap said to save money, lives State poised to gain from new medical info exchange, describes Vermont's health information network. According to the report, the Vermont Legislature created Vermont Information Technology Leaders (VITL) in 2005 "to develop a technology plan for the exchange of health information among doctors, hospitals and other health care providers."

Eli Lilly Settles Zyprexa Inquiries for $62 Million

According to this Associated Press article, Eli Lilly settles Zyprexa inqueries in 32 states, the drugmaker announced a $62 million settlement and agreed to pay 32 states to regarding the company's marketing practices related to its top-selling drug Zyprexa. States attorneys general had accused that Lilly marketed Zyprexa for off-label uses and more... Please click on Zyprexa settlement to read the full article.

Vermont is one of 32 states involved in the settlement.