Comments on: Pfizer’s Kindler: ‘Cost Cutting Is An Imperative’

By: TERRI

TERRI — Tue, 21 Dec 2010 15:35:02 +0000

You’re right, James R. It’s just a matter of time. Inside or outside of the U.S….we are all still human beings…and Chantix kills in all countries.

I know…I took two scripts three years ago…yes, it made the cigarette taste bad…but after ingesting 240 sleeping pills and cutting self up w/razors…and waking up six days later surrounded by devastated and confused family members….I can tell you first hand…that drug DOES mess w/your mind. Never…EVER…again…will I TRUST a drug company. I was so gullible…naive…and just plain stupid.

As a teen, feared/respected drugs…at 55 can describe in detail…an hallucination. I took this drug in good faith…was EXCITED even…was not hoping for a severe enough side effect to take an early retirement…I thought I was doing a GOOD thing.

By: James R

James R — Wed, 22 Oct 2008 18:07:17 +0000

Mr. Kindler seems to think that it is a good thing that Chantix is doing well outside the U.S..
Be patient, Mr Kindler. There will be more reports from those countries about very severe side effects. There has not been sufficient time for those reports to surface.
Please stop using the desire to quit smoking as a smoke-screen to be dishonest about the safety and effectiveness of Chantix.

By: Ed Silverman

Ed Silverman — Wed, 22 Oct 2008 15:18:08 +0000

Hi JA,

No need to apologize. My remarks are intended for public consumption since we’re having a very public discussion. So I just need to be as clear as possible for the widest audience. Anyway, I understand your points, and they’re good ones. But I’m not Jeff Kindler or Bill Steere. Thanks for chiming in, though. It’s definitely a worthwhile discussion to have.

Best
ed

By: J.A.

J.A. — Wed, 22 Oct 2008 15:04:47 +0000

Thanks for the reply Ed. Great site, and sorry for the insinuation. I just hope they (PFE) deploy their cash wisely.

By: Ed Silverman

Ed Silverman — Wed, 22 Oct 2008 14:49:55 +0000

Hi JA,

With all due respect, I’m not “pushing” anything. This what my sources have told me have been discussed inside the higher reaches of the company and board, which I’ve indicated in previous posts. I’m not attempting to function as a tip sheet and don’t wish to debate the merits or wisdom of one acquisition target or another. I’m reporting information I’ve been able to vet. Whether Pfizer ‘listens’ to me is not my concern. I’ll report whatever information I can reliably verify and, of course, whatever events transpire.

Hope that helps,
ed

By: J.A.

J.A. — Wed, 22 Oct 2008 14:39:59 +0000

Why on earth would PFE buy Biogen or Bristol Ed? Bristol is having the exact same problem Pfizer is having, major revenue losses coming in the near future. Biogen is over reliant on Tysabri with a very checkered past and hazy future at best. Buying one of those two is about the riskiest thing Pfizer could possible do. Why do you never mention CELG or GENZ. Those are the two best biotech’s poised for solid growth. PFE should take a long hard look at those two and stop listening to you pushing BMY and BIIB.

By: harpy

harpy — Wed, 22 Oct 2008 13:45:43 +0000

It appears he neglected to say how much his salary is being cut.

By: Pharma Monkey

Pharma Monkey — Tue, 21 Oct 2008 22:37:18 +0000

I don’t know what’s going on in the Business Units, but layoffs have been announced in the Research Unit. Not sure why the senior management is dancing around this issue so much.

By: Just A Thought

Just A Thought — Tue, 21 Oct 2008 20:35:43 +0000

I’d like to ask Mr. Kindler if he thinks that acquiring other companies and their products means that he should throw out the thorough clinical studies of those products in exchange for the limited studies required to meet the FDAs looser generic standards, to cut costs, and continue to market them as branded drugs. I’d also like to ask him if he thinks it important to notify anyone of those changes, in advance, so that they know their medication and the risks have changed. If he believes that doctors should know what they are prescribing. If he believes limited studies are appropriate in drugs that require a consumer to maintain a steady blood serum level. If he thinks that there is any good reason for a doctor to DAW a branded drug prescription.

By: Steve

Steve — Tue, 21 Oct 2008 17:43:19 +0000

Ed,

Very good interview and penetrating, thoughtful questions. I like your side comments.

Thanks,

Steve