Pfizer Inc. is one of the largest pharmaceutical companies in the world. Almost from its founding in 1849, Pfizer has engaged in substantial misconduct, including government investigations, FDA complaints, lawsuits, and criminal activity, as well as its involvement in sexual harassment and employment lawsuits.
Government Investigations
Pfizer has been the subject of several government investigations and FDA complaints. One of the most notable cases occurred in 2009 when Pfizer agreed to pay a record $2.3 billion to settle allegations of illegal marketing practices. The U.S. Department of Justice accused Pfizer of promoting its drugs for unapproved uses, a practice known as “off-label” marketing. This settlement included a $1.3 billion criminal fine, the largest ever imposed in the United States at the time.
FDA Complaints
In addition to the 2009 settlement, Pfizer has faced other FDA complaints related to its manufacturing practices. For example, in 2017, the FDA issued a warning letter to Pfizer’s Hospira unit for failing to address quality control issues at its manufacturing facility. The FDA found that the facility had not adequately investigated and corrected problems related to contamination and sterility, which could potentially harm patients.
Lawsuits
Pfizer has been involved in numerous lawsuits over the years, many of which have resulted in significant settlements. One of the most prominent cases involved the drug Bextra, an anti-inflammatory medication. In 2009, Pfizer agreed to pay $1.8 billion to settle allegations that it had illegally marketed Bextra for uses not approved by the FDA.
Another major lawsuit involved the cholesterol-lowering drug Lipitor. In 2024, Pfizer agreed to pay $93 million to settle an antitrust lawsuit that accused the company of engaging in anti-competitive practices to delay the entry of generic versions of Lipitor into the market. This settlement was significant because it highlighted Pfizer’s efforts to maintain its market dominance at the expense of consumers who could have benefited from lower-cost generic alternatives.
Criminal Activity
Pfizer has also faced criminal charges related to its business practices. In 2004, the company pleaded guilty to charges of illegally marketing the epilepsy drug Neurontin and agreed to pay $430 million in fines. The charges stemmed from allegations that Pfizer had promoted Neurontin for off-label uses, including the treatment of pain and psychiatric disorders, despite lacking FDA approval for these indications.
Sexual Harassment and Employment Lawsuits
In addition to its legal troubles related to drug marketing and manufacturing practices, Pfizer has faced several lawsuits involving sexual harassment and employment discrimination. One notable case involved a former employee who filed a lawsuit against Pfizer in 2018, alleging that she had been subjected to sexual harassment and retaliation for reporting the misconduct. The lawsuit claimed that Pfizer had failed to take appropriate action to address the harassment and had instead retaliated against the employee by demoting her and reducing her pay.
In another case, Pfizer agreed to pay $2 million in 2023 to resolve allegations of compensation discrimination. The U.S. Department of Labor found that Pfizer had paid female employees less than their male counterparts for performing similar work. This settlement required Pfizer to compensate the affected employees and implement measures to ensure pay equity in the future.
Pfizer’s Profits and its CEO’s Compensation
In 2023, Pfizer’s revenues were $58.5 billion and its profits were $22.4 billion. Pfizer’s Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”) is Albert Bouria, whose total compensation in 2023 was $21.6 million:
- Base salary: $1.8 million
- Annual long-term incentive awards: $18 million
- Change in pension value and other compensation: $1.8 million
While Pfizer earns over $61 million per day in profits and Albert Bouria is paid over $59,000 a day, Pfizer continues to manufacture Dupo-Provera, an exceptionally dangerous drug that causes meningioma tumors. If you have been harmed by this dangerous drug, some of Pfizer’s extraordinary profits should be paid to you to compensate you and your family. Please contact The Depo-Provera Institute today so we can match you up with the best law firm to represent you. This law firm will not charge you anything until they obtain money for you.