Koster reaches settlement with GlaxoSmithKline

Missouri Attorney General Chris Koster's office secured $2 million for the Show-Me State as part of a nationwide settlement with GlaxoSmithKline LLC of the United Kingdom.

The settlement - which in total is valued at $105 million, according to media reports - resolves allegations that the company unlawfully marketed asthma drug Advair, as well as antidepressants Paxil and Wellbutrin, according to a news release.

“GlaxoSmithKline intentionally marketed these drugs for medical conditions for which they were not approved,” Koster said in the release. “We will continue to protect Missouri consumers by holding companies that engage in this type of unlawful behavior responsible.”

As part of the settlement, GlaxoSmithKline is prohibited from:

• making written or oral claims that are false, misleading or deceptive about its pharmaceuticals;
• making promotional claims that one of its products is better or safer than others without approval by the Food and Drug Administration;
• providing samples of its products to health care professional who are expected to prescribe the medications for off-label uses; and
• sending out information on off-label use of its medications without FDA approval.