Staff Report

The Vermont attorney general’s office Tuesday announced a settlement with pharmaceutical giant Pfizer Inc. to resolve allegations that the company unlawfully promoted its Zyvox and Lyrica drugs.

Vermont will receive more than $611,000 from the $43 million multi-state settlement.

The complaint against Pfizer alleges it engaged in unfair and deceptive practices in promoting Zyvox when it made misleading and unsubstantiated claims the drug was superior to a competitor.

Zyvox is a drug approved for treatment of certain types of infections, including nosocomial pneumonia. The complaint also alleged that Pfizer engaged in unfair and deceptive practices when it promoted Lyrica for off-label uses.

Under the settlement with the 33 states, Pfizer also agreed to reform how it markets and promotes Zyvox and Lyrica.