Long Island Drug Bust

Submitted by Bob Burton on

In March this year Dr. Peter Gleason, a Maryland psychiatrist, was arrested by the FBI at a Long Island train station and later charged for promoting off-label use of Xyrem, a prescription drug manufactured by Jazz Pharmaceuticals. The New York Times reports that federal prosecutors allege that "at hundreds of speeches and seminars where he was rewarded with generous fees, Dr. Gleason advised other physicians that a powerful drug for narcolepsy could be prescribed for depression and pain relief. In doing so, he conspired with the drug’s manufacturer to recommend it for potentially dangerous uses the prosecutors claim." Gleason admits that he was paid over $100,000 last year alone from Jazz Pharmaceuticals. Gleason, who was released on bail, argues that he was only charged after he refused to help build a case against the drug company which, New York Times reporter Alex Beremson writes, "court documents seem to support."

Main Source: 
New York Times, July 22, 2006
Topics: 
Health
Marketing
Pharmaceuticals
U.S. Government

Comments

JohnRobbins replied on

Gleason may have been pimping for the drug, but he has a point. Xyrem is very effective as a sleep agent, without the side effects of ambien, lunestra, etc.

Briseis Gatto replied on

Doctors have the right to prescribe for off-label purposes, and

the evidence suggests that Dr. Gleason was *accurately* describing

the benefits of Xyprem in his speeches.

http://sulcus.berkeley.edu/mcb/165_001/papers/manuscripts/_536.html

I am concerned at the suppression of freedom of speech, and

freedom of medical choice this prosecution represents.

Xyprem is GHB, a widely used substance which is a natural metabolite

in the body, not a toxic drug. GHB which was used for its

pleasant relaxing qualities and several health benefits, was banned

in the US in the 90's, for reasons that did not seem scientifically

well-supported.