One of the most popular posts on this blog over the last month or so has been '2012 Olympics - Team Glaxo', a post I wrote almost a year ago. It's picked up quite a lot of hits as the games approach [approx 15,000]
With this in mind, and because of recent events, I've fired off a second email to the World Anti-Doping Agency [WADA] - For those of you that don't know, WADA last year announced that GlaxoSmithKline would be part of their team at this year's Olympics.
To be honest, Glaxo should resign from their position but then again the words 'honest' and 'Glaxo' just don't marry, do they?
Here's the email:
Dear Sir/Madam,
A short time ago I wrote you voicing my concerns regarding the decision to allow British pharmaceutical giants, GlaxoSmithKline, to gain a position within the World Anti-Doping Agency to investigate medicines that could having performance enhancing potential in sport.
For reasons unknown to me you decided not to reply.
Once again I must draw your attention to GlaxoSmithKline, although I am sure you are probably aware of the recent media events concerning them.
They have recently pleaded guilty to misdemeanors regarding unethical tactics used in promoting dangerous medicines to vulnerable populations, namely children. Glaxo's pharmaceutical reps were shown to be bribing doctors with lavish meals, cash payments, holidays and concert tickets which had the effect of increasing prescriptions of antidepressants to children...when the product/s were not indicated for children.
I once viewed the Olympic Games as a prestigious event, one where families gathered around TV sets to cheer on their heroes.
I can no longer do that because of your affiliation with a party who have pleaded guilty to crimes against children.
Many children have suffered as a result of GlaxoSmithKline's aggressive marketing tactics, some, it has to be said, have died as a result of induced psychosis from Glaxo's antidepressant medication, those poor souls committed suicide, a known adverse reaction when given to children and adolescents.
As I stipulated, I am sure WADA is aware of recent events, probably embarrassed too?
I wrote an article back in July, 2011 when I first heard of GlaxoSmithKline teaming up with WADA. That post has been read by over 15,000 people, it continues to be read.
For your convenience I have added, at the foot of this email, some recent newspaper articles with regard to GlaxoSmithKline's abhorrent behavior.
My two questions to you are simple;
1. In light of recent events do you still believe that GlaxoSmithKline should be allowed to be associated with WADA and the Olympic Games?
2. Do you think it perverse to include a company as part of a team of drug investigators when that company, by its own admission, promote unsafe drugs to children?
I look forward to your response.
Yours sincerely
Bob Fiddaman
Glaxo in $3 Billion Settlement - Wall Street Journal - http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052702304299704577502642401041730.html
Glaxo Agrees to Pay $3 Billion in Fraud Settlement - New York Times - http://www.nytimes.com/2012/07/03/business/glaxosmithkline-agrees-to-pay-3-billion-in-fraud-settlement.html?pagewanted=all
GlaxoSmithKline pays $3bn for illegally marketing depression drug - The Independent - http://www.independent.co.uk/news/business/news/glaxosmithkline-pays-3bn-for-illegally-marketing-depression-drug-7904555.html
Related stories from this blog:
GSK - The Company With Great Ethics
GlaxoSmithKline - Pinsky, Bradshaw and Promises
ORDER THE PAPERBACK 'THE EVIDENCE, HOWEVER, IS CLEAR...THE SEROXAT SCANDAL' By Bob Fiddaman US and CANADA HERE OR UK HERE
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