Spring Break
The Daily OrangeHeart attack
SU grad, renowned researcher causes controversy over cholesterol drug commercial endorsements.
By Madison Schmakel
Posted: 2/14/08, 11:04 PM EST Section: News
The manufacturer of the drug Lipitor could end up answering to a congressional committee regarding controversial ads featuring Syracuse University graduate Dr. Robert Jarvik.
Jarvik is the creator of the first successful permanent artificial heart. He endorsed the cholesterol drug in ads, which featured the doctor running and rowing canoes. The only problem is Jarvik is not licensed to practice medicine. And he doesn't run or canoe.
The House Committee of Energy and Commerce began looking into the manufacturer Pfizer's ad because of the possibility that there were incorrect facts and false advertising.
Although Jarvik earned a medical degree, he is not a licensed doctor or cardiologist, which means he cannot prescribe Lipitor or any other medication to a patient, according to a recent New York Times article.
Dr. David Smith, president of Upstate Medical University and a practicing pediatrician, said there are two sides to the story.
"This is a question more for the individual," he said. "Generally a lot of us don't get involved in those endorsements because things change in science."
Smith also said if the drug doesn't work, not only is the doctor at fault, but the company is as well.
"The concern for the company is 'what if this drug doesn't work for all people' because it could backfire," Smith said. "They could say 'we had this doctor endorse it, and now it isn't doing anything for me.'"
Sue Alessandri, an assistant advertising professor at SU, said the misrepresentation of Jarvik's status could lead to a false advertisement suit.
"I think a very smart lawyer could make a case for deceptive advertising," she said. "They are presenting him as a licensed physician. He is a researcher. I do think it makes a difference."
In the 1970s, Dr. Jarvik introduced the Jarvik-7, the first successful artificial heart. After introducing the product, he operated the Symbion Co., which manufactures the Jarvik-7 from Salt Lake City.
Jarvik is the creator of the first successful permanent artificial heart. He endorsed the cholesterol drug in ads, which featured the doctor running and rowing canoes. The only problem is Jarvik is not licensed to practice medicine. And he doesn't run or canoe.
The House Committee of Energy and Commerce began looking into the manufacturer Pfizer's ad because of the possibility that there were incorrect facts and false advertising.
Although Jarvik earned a medical degree, he is not a licensed doctor or cardiologist, which means he cannot prescribe Lipitor or any other medication to a patient, according to a recent New York Times article.
Dr. David Smith, president of Upstate Medical University and a practicing pediatrician, said there are two sides to the story.
"This is a question more for the individual," he said. "Generally a lot of us don't get involved in those endorsements because things change in science."
Smith also said if the drug doesn't work, not only is the doctor at fault, but the company is as well.
"The concern for the company is 'what if this drug doesn't work for all people' because it could backfire," Smith said. "They could say 'we had this doctor endorse it, and now it isn't doing anything for me.'"
Sue Alessandri, an assistant advertising professor at SU, said the misrepresentation of Jarvik's status could lead to a false advertisement suit.
"I think a very smart lawyer could make a case for deceptive advertising," she said. "They are presenting him as a licensed physician. He is a researcher. I do think it makes a difference."
In the 1970s, Dr. Jarvik introduced the Jarvik-7, the first successful artificial heart. After introducing the product, he operated the Symbion Co., which manufactures the Jarvik-7 from Salt Lake City.
Be the first to comment on this story