Vanderbilt Television News Archive

(Studio) Report on Senate subcommittee 's study of drug companies
REPORTER: Bob Schieffer

(DC) Pfizer videotape shown advertises use of drug for depression Drug ind. spends $1 billion per year on advertising and promotion. [Senator monopoly subcommittee Senator Gaylord NELSON motes drug cost' influence on doctors] FDA (Food and Drug Administration) drug experts quoted with regard to drug advertising and commercial influence done by drug companies [Pharmaceutical Mfrs. Association C. Joseph STETLER - says drug industry has been involved in post-graduate training of doctors and use of drugs in therapy.] [Johns Hopkins University School of Public Health Dr. Paul STOLLEY - tells how drugs' uses are expanded.] American Medical Association says government control over advertising in information provided to doctors by drug companies amts. to censorship over scientific information and such controls not needed. [American Medical Association Dr. West River BARCLAY - says impertinent of FDA (Food and Drug Administration) and Nelson to imply that doctors are so stupid they'll buy anything the advertisers sell.]
REPORTER: Eric Engberg