An unlikely pair, but there’s speculation a connection exists.

First, let’s take Peter Rost. He’s the notorious former Pfizer exec who filed a whistleblower lawsuit against the drugmaker, alleging unlawful, off-label promotion of Genotropin, a human growth hormone treatment that he was responsible for marketing.

Now, poor Anna. The medical examiner’s report, which was released today, indicates several prescription drugs, including human growth hormone, were ingested. Although the cause of death was overdose from methadone and antidepressants, her case may highlight HGH abuse.

As Rost notes on his own blog, HGH is prescribed for dwarfism and other growth deficiences, not the weight issues that plagued Anna Nicole. As Jim Edwards at BrandWeekNRX points out, this sordid publicity may work in Rost’s favor. A federal appeals court is about to decide whether to let his lawsuit, which was denied last year a federal court judge, proceed.

Hmm. Let’s see. A corporate whistleblower. A drugmaker charged with nefarious behavior. A federal prosecutor. And an over-the-top dead celebrity and Playboy Playmate who looked like Marilyn Monroe. Sounds like a movie. Rost has said he wants to make a movie. Here’s the script. Any guesses on who will play Hank McKinnell?

Peter Rost’s blog;
Associated Press story about accidental overdose;
Medical examiner’s report;

Hat tip to Jim Edwards at BrandWeek.[tags]Anna Nicole Smith, Genotropin, Peter Rost, Pfizer[/tags]