A U.S. House of Representatives investigation into celebrity endorsements of prescription drugs is zeroing in on Pfizer's TV and print ads for the cholesterol-lowering drug Lipitor that feature Dr. Robert Jarvik, inventor of the Jarvik artificial heart, Fox News reported.
Rep. John D. Dingell (D-Mich.), chairman of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, and Rep. Bart Stupak (D-Mich.), chairman of the subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations, said they're concerned about the ads.
In a statement released Monday, Dingell said Jarvik does not have a license to practice or prescribe medicine in the United States, but appears to be giving medical advice in the ads, Fox News reported. This means that consumers could be misled into taking Lipitor by someone who isn't qualified to give such advice, Dingell said in the statement.
He and Stupak sent a letter to Pfizer CEO Jeffrey B. Kindler requesting that the drug company provide the House subcommittee with records relating to Jarvik's relationship with Pfizer, connection with Lipitor, and his medical qualifications. The letter, dated Jan. 7, also asks for communications and financial records, Fox News said.
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