FW: Connecticut Files Rico Lawsuit Seniors Exploited

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From: durant_b@...

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Subject: Connecticut Files Rico Lawsuit Seniors Exploited

Date: Fri, 21 Mar 2008 01:11:41 -0500

tate of Connecticut Files RICO Lawsuit v. Eli Lilly & CoConnecticut

Attorney General Blumenthal filed a lawsuit against Eli Lilly

for illegally marketing its antipsychotic drug Zyprexa for unapproved

uses, and concealing the drug's serious side effects, for more than a

decade. The deceptive marketing campaign dangerously concealed risks

associated with Zyprexa, including diabetes, cardiovascular problems,

and significant weight gain.

" The illegal marketing campaign

exploited children and senior citizens -causing severe weight gain,

diabetes and cardiovascular problems, " Blumenthal said. " This scheme

involved payments to public officials, bogus educational events and

ghostwritten promotional articles summarizing suspect studies. The drug

was marketed for anxiety, depression and Attention Deficit Disorder in

children when it was never approved for any use in children and caused

serious side effects.

" Through a complex series of illegal

rackets and lies, Eli Lilly built a multi-billion dollar drug

enterprise at the expense of taxpayers, consumers and patient lives.

Today's action seeks millions for Connecticut taxpayers and consumers

who continue to suffer the financial and physical ruin resulting from

the improper prescribing of Zyprexa.

" Eli Lilly adopted a sick

marketing mindset: profits over patients, sales over safety. Driven by

fierce greed, Eli Lilly corrupted doctors, pharmacies and public

officials nationwide who easily abandoned integrity and decency for

self-enrichment. My office will fight aggressively on behalf of

Connecticut citizens who continue to pay the price of Eli Lilly's

illegal, senseless schemes. " Of note, Blumenthal sued pursuant to the

Connecticut Unfair Trade Practices Act (CUTPA) and the federal

Racketeering Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO) on behalf

of Department of Consumer Protection

The complaint filed in US District Court is posted here: [Link]

STATE OF CONNECTICUT NEWS RELEASE

ATTORNEY

GENERAL RICHARD BLUMENTHAL DEPARTMENT OF CONSUMER PROTECTION

COMMISSIONER JERRY FARRELL, JR. DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES

COMMISSIONER MICHAEL STARKOWSKI

Blumenthal Sues Eli Lilly For Illegally Marketing Antipsychotic Drug Zyprexa For

Unapproved Uses March 11, 2008

Attorney

General Blumenthal today sued Eli Lilly and Company, Inc. for

illegally marketing its antipsychotic drug Zyprexa for unapproved uses,

and concealing the drug's serious side effects, for more than a decade.

Eli

Lilly allegedly corrupted physicians, pharmacies and administrators at

nursing homes and youth detention centers as part of a massive illegal

marketing campaign to promote Zyprexa for unapproved off-label uses,

including for the treatment of children.

The deceptive marketing

campaign dangerously concealed risks associated with Zyprexa, including

diabetes, cardiovascular problems, and significant weight gain.

In

a lawsuit filed today, Blumenthal seeks to recover millions of taxpayer

and consumer dollars improperly spent on Zyprexa as a result of its

illegal marketing, and millions more spent for treatment of serious

side effects from Zyprexa.

" The illegal marketing campaign

exploited children and senior citizens -causing severe weight gain,

diabetes and cardiovascular problems, " Blumenthal said. " This scheme

involved payments to public officials, bogus educational events and

ghostwritten promotional articles summarizing suspect studies. The drug

was marketed for anxiety, depression and Attention Deficit Disorder in

children when it was never approved for any use in children and caused

serious side effects.

" Through a complex series of illegal

rackets and lies, Eli Lilly built a multi-billion dollar drug

enterprise at the expense of taxpayers, consumers and patient lives.

Today's action seeks millions for Connecticut taxpayers and consumers

who continue to suffer the financial and physical ruin resulting from

the improper prescribing of Zyprexa.

" Eli Lilly adopted a sick

marketing mindset: profits over patients, sales over safety. Driven by

fierce greed, Eli Lilly corrupted doctors, pharmacies and public

officials nationwide who easily abandoned integrity and decency for

self-enrichment. My office will fight aggressively on behalf of

Connecticut citizens who continue to pay the price of Eli Lilly's

illegal, senseless schemes. "

Blumenthal sued pursuant to the

Connecticut Unfair Trade Practices Act (CUTPA) and the federal

Racketeering Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO) on behalf

of Department of Consumer Protection (DCP) Commissioner Jerry Farrell,

Jr. and Department of Social Services (DSS) Commissioner

Starkowski.

Despite only limited studies on its efficacy and

safety, and only limited federally approved use, Zyprexa has become the

third best-selling drug in the world as a result of Eli Lilly's illegal

promotions - prescribed to more than 12 million people and grossing an

estimated $22 billion to date.

The Food and Drug Administration

(FDA) approved Zyprexa, or olanzapine, only for use in treatment of

schizophrenia and bipolar mania. In order to maximize profits, Eli

Lilly created unlawful enterprises to promote Zyprexa for unapproved

uses, while trying to avoid federal prohibitions against off-label drug

marketing.

Under the façade of independence, doctors at

" educational " forums urged peers to prescribe Zyprexa; ghostwriters

published articles that promoted off-label prescribing, while omitting

details about serious side effects; and public officials in various

states promoted Zyprexa for unapproved uses in adolescents at detention

centers and nursing homes.

In reality, Eli Lilly paid these

" independent " physicians and authors generously and concealed the

financial arrangements by funneling compensation through its illegal

enterprises and third parties.

In some cases, Eli Lilly provided

physicians and other participants tens of thousands of dollars in

payments, grants and other compensation.

Eli Lilly also

illegally promoted Zyprexa for the treatment of children suffering from

depression, anxiety, Attention Deficit Disorder, Attention Deficit

Hyperactivity Disorder, sleep disorders and generally as a mood

stabilizer. Zyprexa has never been approved by the FDA for any use in

children, not even for children with schizophrenia or bipolar disorder.

Through

the Connecticut Medical Assistance Programs (CMAP), the state pays for

part or all medical benefits for enrollees, including pregnant women

and newborns, adults with disabilities, people age 65 and older, and

people living in nursing homes.

Between 1996 and 2006, the CMAP

spent more than $190 million on Zyprexa. Millions of additional dollars

have also been spent to treat injuries related to their use of Zyprexa.

Eli Lilly's illegal marketing enterprises and schemes included the following:

PEER-SELLING

ENTERPRISE: Lilly compensated medical marketing firms and several

physicians who routinely promoted Zyprexa to peer physicians in venues

nationwide. Physicians who attended " educational " events were deceived

into thinking that the events were independent of Eli Lilly. Conspiring

physicians concealed information about the efficacy of Zyprexa in

off-label uses and dangerous side effects, as well as the doctors'

financial ties with Eli Lilly.

THE ROLE OF PHARMACIES: Eli Lilly

targeted pharmacies, particularly those that serviced long-term care

facilities. Typically, an Eli Lilly sales representative and a pharmacy

would agree that the pharmacy formally request funding from Eli Lilly

in order to present an " educational program " - for example, a program

on the treatment of dementia.

Both the pharmacy and the Eli

Lilly representative would agree that the program include a

presentation by a doctor - hand picked by Eli Lilly - who would promote

off-label use of Zyprexa for dementia. The Eli Lilly sales

representative would file a formal request funds from Eli Lilly for an

educational grant. Eli Lilly would issue a check to the pharmacy and

the pharmacy would issue a check to the doctor, concealing compensation

from Lilly to the physician.

PUBLICATION ENTERPRISE: Eli Lilly

created a " Publication Enterprise " that hired writers to create

articles, and then paid specialists to " author " the articles. The

articles only included favorable results of Eli Lilly's own internal

trials, and suppressed unfavorable results, including a clinical trial

that failed to show Zyprexa's efficacy for bipolar disorder.

PUBLIC

PAYER ENTERPRISE: Eli Lilly captured the Medicaid and Medicare markets

by paying officials in various states, paying them substantial sums of

money to spread falsehoods regarding the efficacy, safety and side

effects of Zyprexa and to promote off-label use. Eli Lilly targeted

those who oversaw treatment for people with serious mental illness,

including patients in mental hospitals and clinics who are on Medicaid

- among the largest users of antipsychotic drugs. Lilly also influenced

prescribing physicians to over-medicate senior citizens in nursing

homes and adolescents in detention centers with antipsychotics.

Statement from Eli Lilly and Company: Response to Connecticut Attorney General

News Release March 12, 2008

INDIANAPOLIS,

March 12, 2008 /PRNewswire-FirstCall via COMTEX News Network/-- Eli

Lilly and Company (NYSE: LLY), strongly disagrees with the

characterization of company practices as alleged by the Connecticut

Attorney General Blumenthal in a news release issued March 11,

2008.

The tone and content of the release is a disservice to

patients who may currently be taking Zyprexa to treat a

life-threatening disease. Specifically, the news release contained no

acknowledgement of the seriousness of schizophrenia or bipolar

disorder, no reference to the importance of treatment stability, and

provided no guidance to patients who may now have questions about their

treatment.

Given the lack of complete information in the news release, Lilly offers the

following:

--

Patients should continue with medications that have been prescribed and

discuss their concerns with their doctor. -- Patients can get

information about Zyprexa by contacting the LillyAnswers Center

Zyprexa

is a lifesaving medication that has been taken by more than 23 million

people worldwide....... We remain confident in the safety and efficacy

of Zyprexa based on the depth and breadth of scientific research

conducted around the world.

Lilly is committed to the highest ethical standards and to promoting our

medications only for approved uses......

Windows Live Hotmail is giving away Zunes. Enter for your chance to win.

_________________________________________________________________

Watch “Cause Effect,” a show about real people making a real difference. Learn

more.

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[Guest guest]

From: durant_b@...

a-n-g-e-r

Subject: Connecticut Files Rico Lawsuit Seniors Exploited

Date: Fri, 21 Mar 2008 01:11:41 -0500

tate of Connecticut Files RICO Lawsuit v. Eli Lilly & CoConnecticut

Attorney General Blumenthal filed a lawsuit against Eli Lilly

for illegally marketing its antipsychotic drug Zyprexa for unapproved

uses, and concealing the drug's serious side effects, for more than a

decade. The deceptive marketing campaign dangerously concealed risks

associated with Zyprexa, including diabetes, cardiovascular problems,

and significant weight gain.

" The illegal marketing campaign

exploited children and senior citizens -causing severe weight gain,

diabetes and cardiovascular problems, " Blumenthal said. " This scheme

involved payments to public officials, bogus educational events and

ghostwritten promotional articles summarizing suspect studies. The drug

was marketed for anxiety, depression and Attention Deficit Disorder in

children when it was never approved for any use in children and caused

serious side effects.

" Through a complex series of illegal

rackets and lies, Eli Lilly built a multi-billion dollar drug

enterprise at the expense of taxpayers, consumers and patient lives.

Today's action seeks millions for Connecticut taxpayers and consumers

who continue to suffer the financial and physical ruin resulting from

the improper prescribing of Zyprexa.

" Eli Lilly adopted a sick

marketing mindset: profits over patients, sales over safety. Driven by

fierce greed, Eli Lilly corrupted doctors, pharmacies and public

officials nationwide who easily abandoned integrity and decency for

self-enrichment. My office will fight aggressively on behalf of

Connecticut citizens who continue to pay the price of Eli Lilly's

illegal, senseless schemes. " Of note, Blumenthal sued pursuant to the

Connecticut Unfair Trade Practices Act (CUTPA) and the federal

Racketeering Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO) on behalf

of Department of Consumer Protection

The complaint filed in US District Court is posted here: [Link]

STATE OF CONNECTICUT NEWS RELEASE

ATTORNEY

GENERAL RICHARD BLUMENTHAL DEPARTMENT OF CONSUMER PROTECTION

COMMISSIONER JERRY FARRELL, JR. DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES

COMMISSIONER MICHAEL STARKOWSKI

Blumenthal Sues Eli Lilly For Illegally Marketing Antipsychotic Drug Zyprexa For

Unapproved Uses March 11, 2008

Attorney

General Blumenthal today sued Eli Lilly and Company, Inc. for

illegally marketing its antipsychotic drug Zyprexa for unapproved uses,

and concealing the drug's serious side effects, for more than a decade.

Eli

Lilly allegedly corrupted physicians, pharmacies and administrators at

nursing homes and youth detention centers as part of a massive illegal

marketing campaign to promote Zyprexa for unapproved off-label uses,

including for the treatment of children.

The deceptive marketing

campaign dangerously concealed risks associated with Zyprexa, including

diabetes, cardiovascular problems, and significant weight gain.

In

a lawsuit filed today, Blumenthal seeks to recover millions of taxpayer

and consumer dollars improperly spent on Zyprexa as a result of its

illegal marketing, and millions more spent for treatment of serious

side effects from Zyprexa.

" The illegal marketing campaign

exploited children and senior citizens -causing severe weight gain,

diabetes and cardiovascular problems, " Blumenthal said. " This scheme

involved payments to public officials, bogus educational events and

ghostwritten promotional articles summarizing suspect studies. The drug

was marketed for anxiety, depression and Attention Deficit Disorder in

children when it was never approved for any use in children and caused

serious side effects.

" Through a complex series of illegal

rackets and lies, Eli Lilly built a multi-billion dollar drug

enterprise at the expense of taxpayers, consumers and patient lives.

Today's action seeks millions for Connecticut taxpayers and consumers

who continue to suffer the financial and physical ruin resulting from

the improper prescribing of Zyprexa.

" Eli Lilly adopted a sick

marketing mindset: profits over patients, sales over safety. Driven by

fierce greed, Eli Lilly corrupted doctors, pharmacies and public

officials nationwide who easily abandoned integrity and decency for

self-enrichment. My office will fight aggressively on behalf of

Connecticut citizens who continue to pay the price of Eli Lilly's

illegal, senseless schemes. "

Blumenthal sued pursuant to the

Connecticut Unfair Trade Practices Act (CUTPA) and the federal

Racketeering Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO) on behalf

of Department of Consumer Protection (DCP) Commissioner Jerry Farrell,

Jr. and Department of Social Services (DSS) Commissioner

Starkowski.

Despite only limited studies on its efficacy and

safety, and only limited federally approved use, Zyprexa has become the

third best-selling drug in the world as a result of Eli Lilly's illegal

promotions - prescribed to more than 12 million people and grossing an

estimated $22 billion to date.

The Food and Drug Administration

(FDA) approved Zyprexa, or olanzapine, only for use in treatment of

schizophrenia and bipolar mania. In order to maximize profits, Eli

Lilly created unlawful enterprises to promote Zyprexa for unapproved

uses, while trying to avoid federal prohibitions against off-label drug

marketing.

Under the façade of independence, doctors at

" educational " forums urged peers to prescribe Zyprexa; ghostwriters

published articles that promoted off-label prescribing, while omitting

details about serious side effects; and public officials in various

states promoted Zyprexa for unapproved uses in adolescents at detention

centers and nursing homes.

In reality, Eli Lilly paid these

" independent " physicians and authors generously and concealed the

financial arrangements by funneling compensation through its illegal

enterprises and third parties.

In some cases, Eli Lilly provided

physicians and other participants tens of thousands of dollars in

payments, grants and other compensation.

Eli Lilly also

illegally promoted Zyprexa for the treatment of children suffering from

depression, anxiety, Attention Deficit Disorder, Attention Deficit

Hyperactivity Disorder, sleep disorders and generally as a mood

stabilizer. Zyprexa has never been approved by the FDA for any use in

children, not even for children with schizophrenia or bipolar disorder.

Through

the Connecticut Medical Assistance Programs (CMAP), the state pays for

part or all medical benefits for enrollees, including pregnant women

and newborns, adults with disabilities, people age 65 and older, and

people living in nursing homes.

Between 1996 and 2006, the CMAP

spent more than $190 million on Zyprexa. Millions of additional dollars

have also been spent to treat injuries related to their use of Zyprexa.

Eli Lilly's illegal marketing enterprises and schemes included the following:

PEER-SELLING

ENTERPRISE: Lilly compensated medical marketing firms and several

physicians who routinely promoted Zyprexa to peer physicians in venues

nationwide. Physicians who attended " educational " events were deceived

into thinking that the events were independent of Eli Lilly. Conspiring

physicians concealed information about the efficacy of Zyprexa in

off-label uses and dangerous side effects, as well as the doctors'

financial ties with Eli Lilly.

THE ROLE OF PHARMACIES: Eli Lilly

targeted pharmacies, particularly those that serviced long-term care

facilities. Typically, an Eli Lilly sales representative and a pharmacy

would agree that the pharmacy formally request funding from Eli Lilly

in order to present an " educational program " - for example, a program

on the treatment of dementia.

Both the pharmacy and the Eli

Lilly representative would agree that the program include a

presentation by a doctor - hand picked by Eli Lilly - who would promote

off-label use of Zyprexa for dementia. The Eli Lilly sales

representative would file a formal request funds from Eli Lilly for an

educational grant. Eli Lilly would issue a check to the pharmacy and

the pharmacy would issue a check to the doctor, concealing compensation

from Lilly to the physician.

PUBLICATION ENTERPRISE: Eli Lilly

created a " Publication Enterprise " that hired writers to create

articles, and then paid specialists to " author " the articles. The

articles only included favorable results of Eli Lilly's own internal

trials, and suppressed unfavorable results, including a clinical trial

that failed to show Zyprexa's efficacy for bipolar disorder.

PUBLIC

PAYER ENTERPRISE: Eli Lilly captured the Medicaid and Medicare markets

by paying officials in various states, paying them substantial sums of

money to spread falsehoods regarding the efficacy, safety and side

effects of Zyprexa and to promote off-label use. Eli Lilly targeted

those who oversaw treatment for people with serious mental illness,

including patients in mental hospitals and clinics who are on Medicaid

- among the largest users of antipsychotic drugs. Lilly also influenced

prescribing physicians to over-medicate senior citizens in nursing

homes and adolescents in detention centers with antipsychotics.

Statement from Eli Lilly and Company: Response to Connecticut Attorney General

News Release March 12, 2008

INDIANAPOLIS,

March 12, 2008 /PRNewswire-FirstCall via COMTEX News Network/-- Eli

Lilly and Company (NYSE: LLY), strongly disagrees with the

characterization of company practices as alleged by the Connecticut

Attorney General Blumenthal in a news release issued March 11,

2008.

The tone and content of the release is a disservice to

patients who may currently be taking Zyprexa to treat a

life-threatening disease. Specifically, the news release contained no

acknowledgement of the seriousness of schizophrenia or bipolar

disorder, no reference to the importance of treatment stability, and

provided no guidance to patients who may now have questions about their

treatment.

Given the lack of complete information in the news release, Lilly offers the

following:

--

Patients should continue with medications that have been prescribed and

discuss their concerns with their doctor. -- Patients can get

information about Zyprexa by contacting the LillyAnswers Center

Zyprexa

is a lifesaving medication that has been taken by more than 23 million

people worldwide....... We remain confident in the safety and efficacy

of Zyprexa based on the depth and breadth of scientific research

conducted around the world.

Lilly is committed to the highest ethical standards and to promoting our

medications only for approved uses......

Windows Live Hotmail is giving away Zunes. Enter for your chance to win.

_________________________________________________________________

Watch “Cause Effect,” a show about real people making a real difference. Learn

more.

http://im.live.com/Messenger/IM/MTV/?source=text_watchcause

[Guest guest]

From: durant_b@...

a-n-g-e-r

Subject: Connecticut Files Rico Lawsuit Seniors Exploited

Date: Fri, 21 Mar 2008 01:11:41 -0500

tate of Connecticut Files RICO Lawsuit v. Eli Lilly & CoConnecticut

Attorney General Blumenthal filed a lawsuit against Eli Lilly

for illegally marketing its antipsychotic drug Zyprexa for unapproved

uses, and concealing the drug's serious side effects, for more than a

decade. The deceptive marketing campaign dangerously concealed risks

associated with Zyprexa, including diabetes, cardiovascular problems,

and significant weight gain.

" The illegal marketing campaign

exploited children and senior citizens -causing severe weight gain,

diabetes and cardiovascular problems, " Blumenthal said. " This scheme

involved payments to public officials, bogus educational events and

ghostwritten promotional articles summarizing suspect studies. The drug

was marketed for anxiety, depression and Attention Deficit Disorder in

children when it was never approved for any use in children and caused

serious side effects.

" Through a complex series of illegal

rackets and lies, Eli Lilly built a multi-billion dollar drug

enterprise at the expense of taxpayers, consumers and patient lives.

Today's action seeks millions for Connecticut taxpayers and consumers

who continue to suffer the financial and physical ruin resulting from

the improper prescribing of Zyprexa.

" Eli Lilly adopted a sick

marketing mindset: profits over patients, sales over safety. Driven by

fierce greed, Eli Lilly corrupted doctors, pharmacies and public

officials nationwide who easily abandoned integrity and decency for

self-enrichment. My office will fight aggressively on behalf of

Connecticut citizens who continue to pay the price of Eli Lilly's

illegal, senseless schemes. " Of note, Blumenthal sued pursuant to the

Connecticut Unfair Trade Practices Act (CUTPA) and the federal

Racketeering Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO) on behalf

of Department of Consumer Protection

The complaint filed in US District Court is posted here: [Link]

STATE OF CONNECTICUT NEWS RELEASE

ATTORNEY

GENERAL RICHARD BLUMENTHAL DEPARTMENT OF CONSUMER PROTECTION

COMMISSIONER JERRY FARRELL, JR. DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES

COMMISSIONER MICHAEL STARKOWSKI

Blumenthal Sues Eli Lilly For Illegally Marketing Antipsychotic Drug Zyprexa For

Unapproved Uses March 11, 2008

Attorney

General Blumenthal today sued Eli Lilly and Company, Inc. for

illegally marketing its antipsychotic drug Zyprexa for unapproved uses,

and concealing the drug's serious side effects, for more than a decade.

Eli

Lilly allegedly corrupted physicians, pharmacies and administrators at

nursing homes and youth detention centers as part of a massive illegal

marketing campaign to promote Zyprexa for unapproved off-label uses,

including for the treatment of children.

The deceptive marketing

campaign dangerously concealed risks associated with Zyprexa, including

diabetes, cardiovascular problems, and significant weight gain.

In

a lawsuit filed today, Blumenthal seeks to recover millions of taxpayer

and consumer dollars improperly spent on Zyprexa as a result of its

illegal marketing, and millions more spent for treatment of serious

side effects from Zyprexa.

" The illegal marketing campaign

exploited children and senior citizens -causing severe weight gain,

diabetes and cardiovascular problems, " Blumenthal said. " This scheme

involved payments to public officials, bogus educational events and

ghostwritten promotional articles summarizing suspect studies. The drug

was marketed for anxiety, depression and Attention Deficit Disorder in

children when it was never approved for any use in children and caused

serious side effects.

" Through a complex series of illegal

rackets and lies, Eli Lilly built a multi-billion dollar drug

enterprise at the expense of taxpayers, consumers and patient lives.

Today's action seeks millions for Connecticut taxpayers and consumers

who continue to suffer the financial and physical ruin resulting from

the improper prescribing of Zyprexa.

" Eli Lilly adopted a sick

marketing mindset: profits over patients, sales over safety. Driven by

fierce greed, Eli Lilly corrupted doctors, pharmacies and public

officials nationwide who easily abandoned integrity and decency for

self-enrichment. My office will fight aggressively on behalf of

Connecticut citizens who continue to pay the price of Eli Lilly's

illegal, senseless schemes. "

Blumenthal sued pursuant to the

Connecticut Unfair Trade Practices Act (CUTPA) and the federal

Racketeering Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO) on behalf

of Department of Consumer Protection (DCP) Commissioner Jerry Farrell,

Jr. and Department of Social Services (DSS) Commissioner

Starkowski.

Despite only limited studies on its efficacy and

safety, and only limited federally approved use, Zyprexa has become the

third best-selling drug in the world as a result of Eli Lilly's illegal

promotions - prescribed to more than 12 million people and grossing an

estimated $22 billion to date.

The Food and Drug Administration

(FDA) approved Zyprexa, or olanzapine, only for use in treatment of

schizophrenia and bipolar mania. In order to maximize profits, Eli

Lilly created unlawful enterprises to promote Zyprexa for unapproved

uses, while trying to avoid federal prohibitions against off-label drug

marketing.

Under the façade of independence, doctors at

" educational " forums urged peers to prescribe Zyprexa; ghostwriters

published articles that promoted off-label prescribing, while omitting

details about serious side effects; and public officials in various

states promoted Zyprexa for unapproved uses in adolescents at detention

centers and nursing homes.

In reality, Eli Lilly paid these

" independent " physicians and authors generously and concealed the

financial arrangements by funneling compensation through its illegal

enterprises and third parties.

In some cases, Eli Lilly provided

physicians and other participants tens of thousands of dollars in

payments, grants and other compensation.

Eli Lilly also

illegally promoted Zyprexa for the treatment of children suffering from

depression, anxiety, Attention Deficit Disorder, Attention Deficit

Hyperactivity Disorder, sleep disorders and generally as a mood

stabilizer. Zyprexa has never been approved by the FDA for any use in

children, not even for children with schizophrenia or bipolar disorder.

Through

the Connecticut Medical Assistance Programs (CMAP), the state pays for

part or all medical benefits for enrollees, including pregnant women

and newborns, adults with disabilities, people age 65 and older, and

people living in nursing homes.

Between 1996 and 2006, the CMAP

spent more than $190 million on Zyprexa. Millions of additional dollars

have also been spent to treat injuries related to their use of Zyprexa.

Eli Lilly's illegal marketing enterprises and schemes included the following:

PEER-SELLING

ENTERPRISE: Lilly compensated medical marketing firms and several

physicians who routinely promoted Zyprexa to peer physicians in venues

nationwide. Physicians who attended " educational " events were deceived

into thinking that the events were independent of Eli Lilly. Conspiring

physicians concealed information about the efficacy of Zyprexa in

off-label uses and dangerous side effects, as well as the doctors'

financial ties with Eli Lilly.

THE ROLE OF PHARMACIES: Eli Lilly

targeted pharmacies, particularly those that serviced long-term care

facilities. Typically, an Eli Lilly sales representative and a pharmacy

would agree that the pharmacy formally request funding from Eli Lilly

in order to present an " educational program " - for example, a program

on the treatment of dementia.

Both the pharmacy and the Eli

Lilly representative would agree that the program include a

presentation by a doctor - hand picked by Eli Lilly - who would promote

off-label use of Zyprexa for dementia. The Eli Lilly sales

representative would file a formal request funds from Eli Lilly for an

educational grant. Eli Lilly would issue a check to the pharmacy and

the pharmacy would issue a check to the doctor, concealing compensation

from Lilly to the physician.

PUBLICATION ENTERPRISE: Eli Lilly

created a " Publication Enterprise " that hired writers to create

articles, and then paid specialists to " author " the articles. The

articles only included favorable results of Eli Lilly's own internal

trials, and suppressed unfavorable results, including a clinical trial

that failed to show Zyprexa's efficacy for bipolar disorder.

PUBLIC

PAYER ENTERPRISE: Eli Lilly captured the Medicaid and Medicare markets

by paying officials in various states, paying them substantial sums of

money to spread falsehoods regarding the efficacy, safety and side

effects of Zyprexa and to promote off-label use. Eli Lilly targeted

those who oversaw treatment for people with serious mental illness,

including patients in mental hospitals and clinics who are on Medicaid

- among the largest users of antipsychotic drugs. Lilly also influenced

prescribing physicians to over-medicate senior citizens in nursing

homes and adolescents in detention centers with antipsychotics.

Statement from Eli Lilly and Company: Response to Connecticut Attorney General

News Release March 12, 2008

INDIANAPOLIS,

March 12, 2008 /PRNewswire-FirstCall via COMTEX News Network/-- Eli

Lilly and Company (NYSE: LLY), strongly disagrees with the

characterization of company practices as alleged by the Connecticut

Attorney General Blumenthal in a news release issued March 11,

2008.

The tone and content of the release is a disservice to

patients who may currently be taking Zyprexa to treat a

life-threatening disease. Specifically, the news release contained no

acknowledgement of the seriousness of schizophrenia or bipolar

disorder, no reference to the importance of treatment stability, and

provided no guidance to patients who may now have questions about their

treatment.

Given the lack of complete information in the news release, Lilly offers the

following:

--

Patients should continue with medications that have been prescribed and

discuss their concerns with their doctor. -- Patients can get

information about Zyprexa by contacting the LillyAnswers Center

Zyprexa

is a lifesaving medication that has been taken by more than 23 million

people worldwide....... We remain confident in the safety and efficacy

of Zyprexa based on the depth and breadth of scientific research

conducted around the world.

Lilly is committed to the highest ethical standards and to promoting our

medications only for approved uses......

Windows Live Hotmail is giving away Zunes. Enter for your chance to win.

_________________________________________________________________

Watch “Cause Effect,” a show about real people making a real difference. Learn

more.

http://im.live.com/Messenger/IM/MTV/?source=text_watchcause

[Guest guest]

From: durant_b@...

a-n-g-e-r

Subject: Connecticut Files Rico Lawsuit Seniors Exploited

Date: Fri, 21 Mar 2008 01:11:41 -0500

tate of Connecticut Files RICO Lawsuit v. Eli Lilly & CoConnecticut

Attorney General Blumenthal filed a lawsuit against Eli Lilly

for illegally marketing its antipsychotic drug Zyprexa for unapproved

uses, and concealing the drug's serious side effects, for more than a

decade. The deceptive marketing campaign dangerously concealed risks

associated with Zyprexa, including diabetes, cardiovascular problems,

and significant weight gain.

" The illegal marketing campaign

exploited children and senior citizens -causing severe weight gain,

diabetes and cardiovascular problems, " Blumenthal said. " This scheme

involved payments to public officials, bogus educational events and

ghostwritten promotional articles summarizing suspect studies. The drug

was marketed for anxiety, depression and Attention Deficit Disorder in

children when it was never approved for any use in children and caused

serious side effects.

" Through a complex series of illegal

rackets and lies, Eli Lilly built a multi-billion dollar drug

enterprise at the expense of taxpayers, consumers and patient lives.

Today's action seeks millions for Connecticut taxpayers and consumers

who continue to suffer the financial and physical ruin resulting from

the improper prescribing of Zyprexa.

" Eli Lilly adopted a sick

marketing mindset: profits over patients, sales over safety. Driven by

fierce greed, Eli Lilly corrupted doctors, pharmacies and public

officials nationwide who easily abandoned integrity and decency for

self-enrichment. My office will fight aggressively on behalf of

Connecticut citizens who continue to pay the price of Eli Lilly's

illegal, senseless schemes. " Of note, Blumenthal sued pursuant to the

Connecticut Unfair Trade Practices Act (CUTPA) and the federal

Racketeering Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO) on behalf

of Department of Consumer Protection

The complaint filed in US District Court is posted here: [Link]

STATE OF CONNECTICUT NEWS RELEASE

ATTORNEY

GENERAL RICHARD BLUMENTHAL DEPARTMENT OF CONSUMER PROTECTION

COMMISSIONER JERRY FARRELL, JR. DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES

COMMISSIONER MICHAEL STARKOWSKI

Blumenthal Sues Eli Lilly For Illegally Marketing Antipsychotic Drug Zyprexa For

Unapproved Uses March 11, 2008

Attorney

General Blumenthal today sued Eli Lilly and Company, Inc. for

illegally marketing its antipsychotic drug Zyprexa for unapproved uses,

and concealing the drug's serious side effects, for more than a decade.

Eli

Lilly allegedly corrupted physicians, pharmacies and administrators at

nursing homes and youth detention centers as part of a massive illegal

marketing campaign to promote Zyprexa for unapproved off-label uses,

including for the treatment of children.

The deceptive marketing

campaign dangerously concealed risks associated with Zyprexa, including

diabetes, cardiovascular problems, and significant weight gain.

In

a lawsuit filed today, Blumenthal seeks to recover millions of taxpayer

and consumer dollars improperly spent on Zyprexa as a result of its

illegal marketing, and millions more spent for treatment of serious

side effects from Zyprexa.

" The illegal marketing campaign

exploited children and senior citizens -causing severe weight gain,

diabetes and cardiovascular problems, " Blumenthal said. " This scheme

involved payments to public officials, bogus educational events and

ghostwritten promotional articles summarizing suspect studies. The drug

was marketed for anxiety, depression and Attention Deficit Disorder in

children when it was never approved for any use in children and caused

serious side effects.

" Through a complex series of illegal

rackets and lies, Eli Lilly built a multi-billion dollar drug

enterprise at the expense of taxpayers, consumers and patient lives.

Today's action seeks millions for Connecticut taxpayers and consumers

who continue to suffer the financial and physical ruin resulting from

the improper prescribing of Zyprexa.

" Eli Lilly adopted a sick

marketing mindset: profits over patients, sales over safety. Driven by

fierce greed, Eli Lilly corrupted doctors, pharmacies and public

officials nationwide who easily abandoned integrity and decency for

self-enrichment. My office will fight aggressively on behalf of

Connecticut citizens who continue to pay the price of Eli Lilly's

illegal, senseless schemes. "

Blumenthal sued pursuant to the

Connecticut Unfair Trade Practices Act (CUTPA) and the federal

Racketeering Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO) on behalf

of Department of Consumer Protection (DCP) Commissioner Jerry Farrell,

Jr. and Department of Social Services (DSS) Commissioner

Starkowski.

Despite only limited studies on its efficacy and

safety, and only limited federally approved use, Zyprexa has become the

third best-selling drug in the world as a result of Eli Lilly's illegal

promotions - prescribed to more than 12 million people and grossing an

estimated $22 billion to date.

The Food and Drug Administration

(FDA) approved Zyprexa, or olanzapine, only for use in treatment of

schizophrenia and bipolar mania. In order to maximize profits, Eli

Lilly created unlawful enterprises to promote Zyprexa for unapproved

uses, while trying to avoid federal prohibitions against off-label drug

marketing.

Under the façade of independence, doctors at

" educational " forums urged peers to prescribe Zyprexa; ghostwriters

published articles that promoted off-label prescribing, while omitting

details about serious side effects; and public officials in various

states promoted Zyprexa for unapproved uses in adolescents at detention

centers and nursing homes.

In reality, Eli Lilly paid these

" independent " physicians and authors generously and concealed the

financial arrangements by funneling compensation through its illegal

enterprises and third parties.

In some cases, Eli Lilly provided

physicians and other participants tens of thousands of dollars in

payments, grants and other compensation.

Eli Lilly also

illegally promoted Zyprexa for the treatment of children suffering from

depression, anxiety, Attention Deficit Disorder, Attention Deficit

Hyperactivity Disorder, sleep disorders and generally as a mood

stabilizer. Zyprexa has never been approved by the FDA for any use in

children, not even for children with schizophrenia or bipolar disorder.

Through

the Connecticut Medical Assistance Programs (CMAP), the state pays for

part or all medical benefits for enrollees, including pregnant women

and newborns, adults with disabilities, people age 65 and older, and

people living in nursing homes.

Between 1996 and 2006, the CMAP

spent more than $190 million on Zyprexa. Millions of additional dollars

have also been spent to treat injuries related to their use of Zyprexa.

Eli Lilly's illegal marketing enterprises and schemes included the following:

PEER-SELLING

ENTERPRISE: Lilly compensated medical marketing firms and several

physicians who routinely promoted Zyprexa to peer physicians in venues

nationwide. Physicians who attended " educational " events were deceived

into thinking that the events were independent of Eli Lilly. Conspiring

physicians concealed information about the efficacy of Zyprexa in

off-label uses and dangerous side effects, as well as the doctors'

financial ties with Eli Lilly.

THE ROLE OF PHARMACIES: Eli Lilly

targeted pharmacies, particularly those that serviced long-term care

facilities. Typically, an Eli Lilly sales representative and a pharmacy

would agree that the pharmacy formally request funding from Eli Lilly

in order to present an " educational program " - for example, a program

on the treatment of dementia.

Both the pharmacy and the Eli

Lilly representative would agree that the program include a

presentation by a doctor - hand picked by Eli Lilly - who would promote

off-label use of Zyprexa for dementia. The Eli Lilly sales

representative would file a formal request funds from Eli Lilly for an

educational grant. Eli Lilly would issue a check to the pharmacy and

the pharmacy would issue a check to the doctor, concealing compensation

from Lilly to the physician.

PUBLICATION ENTERPRISE: Eli Lilly

created a " Publication Enterprise " that hired writers to create

articles, and then paid specialists to " author " the articles. The

articles only included favorable results of Eli Lilly's own internal

trials, and suppressed unfavorable results, including a clinical trial

that failed to show Zyprexa's efficacy for bipolar disorder.

PUBLIC

PAYER ENTERPRISE: Eli Lilly captured the Medicaid and Medicare markets

by paying officials in various states, paying them substantial sums of

money to spread falsehoods regarding the efficacy, safety and side

effects of Zyprexa and to promote off-label use. Eli Lilly targeted

those who oversaw treatment for people with serious mental illness,

including patients in mental hospitals and clinics who are on Medicaid

- among the largest users of antipsychotic drugs. Lilly also influenced

prescribing physicians to over-medicate senior citizens in nursing

homes and adolescents in detention centers with antipsychotics.

Statement from Eli Lilly and Company: Response to Connecticut Attorney General

News Release March 12, 2008

INDIANAPOLIS,

March 12, 2008 /PRNewswire-FirstCall via COMTEX News Network/-- Eli

Lilly and Company (NYSE: LLY), strongly disagrees with the

characterization of company practices as alleged by the Connecticut

Attorney General Blumenthal in a news release issued March 11,

2008.

The tone and content of the release is a disservice to

patients who may currently be taking Zyprexa to treat a

life-threatening disease. Specifically, the news release contained no

acknowledgement of the seriousness of schizophrenia or bipolar

disorder, no reference to the importance of treatment stability, and

provided no guidance to patients who may now have questions about their

treatment.

Given the lack of complete information in the news release, Lilly offers the

following:

--

Patients should continue with medications that have been prescribed and

discuss their concerns with their doctor. -- Patients can get

information about Zyprexa by contacting the LillyAnswers Center

Zyprexa

is a lifesaving medication that has been taken by more than 23 million

people worldwide....... We remain confident in the safety and efficacy

of Zyprexa based on the depth and breadth of scientific research

conducted around the world.

Lilly is committed to the highest ethical standards and to promoting our

medications only for approved uses......

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