More on GSK's $4 million 'consolation' prizes

Have you ever witnessed anything so obscene as the 'runner-up' awards for those who missed out on the chief executive's office?

Maybe GSK didn't want those that failed to be so disappointed that they would speak out publically against them?

I loved the statement from Mary Anne Rhyne, a GSK spokeswoman at Research Triangle Park, said the company had no comment.

Mary Anne Rhyne.... hmmm

The same Mary Anne Rhyne who was vocal with her opinion on Seroxat:

If ‘discontinuation reactions’ occur in patients stopping [Paxil], the majority will experience symptoms that are mild to moderate in intensity, and are usually limited to two weeks.
Mary Anne Rhyne GlaxoSmithKline spokesperson 2005

These problems [’discontinuation reactions’] are just the body’s adjustment when you stop taking medicines. It takes more than that to be addictive.
Mary Anne Rhyne GlaxoSmithKline spokesperson 8/21/2002

Obviously doctors are very busy people, and their day is packed with patients. The question is how do doctors get information about medicines and new research into treatments and disease, and one of the easiest ways is this kind of presentation [”dine and dash”]. We think this is a benefit to both physicians and patients.”
Mary Ann Rhyne GlaxoSmithKline spokesperson

We follow the law, and we follow government guidelines.
Mary Anne Rhyne GlaxoSmithKline spokesperson 8/26/2005

You can experience symptoms, as you can with other SSRIs and as you can with other kinds of medicines as well.
Mary Anne Rhyne GlaxoSmithKline spokesperson 12/13/2003

And what about David Stout, one of the runners-up, has he ever been vocal about Seroxat?

Let's see:

GlaxoSmithKline is proud to offer physicians Paxil CR the latest treatment advance in the SSRI class.
David Stout President, US Pharmaceuticals, GlaxoSmithKline 4/19/2002

GSK strongly stands behind the safety and efficacy of Paxil. Physician organizations, like the American Psychiatric Association, have stated that antidepressants are not habit-forming.
David Stout President of U.S. Pharmaceuticals, GlaxoSmithKline

Experts including the FDA and leading physician and mental health organizations agree that antidepressant medications like Paxil are non-habit-forming.
David Stout President US Pharmaceuticals GlaxoSmithKline 10/10/2002


or what about the other runner-up, Christopher Viehbacher?

I think if, if we’ve been guilty of anything over the past few years, perhaps, um, emphasizing entertainment over education, um, we know that’s what patients really want.
Christopher Viehbacher GlaxoSmithKline U.S. President 8/16/05

My wife thinks J.P. [Garnier] is the best thing since sliced bread.
Christopher Viehbacher GlaxoSmithKline U.S. President 7/21/03


Ah well, they didn't get the top job... that went to Andrew 'not so' Witty. Makes you wonder why GSK would want to give them such a huge windfall for failure though.

Fid