Pharmaceutical Executive-02-06-2008

Lilly is in the midst of settlement discussions with federal prosecutors over the pharma company?s off-label marketing of the antipsychotic medication Zyprexa. If settled, Lilly could be shelling out more than $1 billion in fines.

Merck is under investigation for allegedly pushing physicians to prescribe Vioxx for unapproved use. Federal investigators are scrutinizing Merck?s marketing and sales practices in search of shady business tactics.

Pfizer boosted warnings and prescribing information on its smoking-cessation drug Chantix in response to an early safety review by FDA. Side effects such as depression, suicidal thoughts, and odder-than-normal dreams have been attributed to use of the drug.