Business

Alcohol Industry Urged to Follow Beam’s Lead

May 7, 2007 -- Maryland Attorney General Douglas F. Gansler today praised Beam Global for adopting a comprehensive set of new policies designed to reduce exposure of its advertising to youth. Beam Global is the largest distilled spirits company based in the U.S. Beam Global adopted these measures following talks with state Attorneys General from around the country.    » read more »

May 8, 2007 -- (Lincoln, NE) -- Nebraska Attorney General Jon Bruning today filed a $719,500 settlement in Lancaster County District Court with Purdue Pharma (Purdue) regarding its advertising practices for the narcotic pain medication, OxyContin.    » read more »

Company to Change Practices in Marketing of Oxycontin

May 8, 2007 -- Maryland Attorney General Douglas F. Gansler announced today that his Consumer Protection Division, together with the offices of Attorneys General from 26 other states, has entered into a settlement of Consumer Protection Act claims against Purdue Pharma (“Purdue”) regarding the narcotic pain medication OxyContin, a time-released narcotic drug approved for the treatment of moderate to severe pain over an extended period of time.    » read more »

May 08, 2007 -- Kentucky Attorney General Greg Stumbo today announced a settlement with pharmaceutical maker Purdue Pharma regarding the narcotic pain medication OxyContin. The settlement resolves concerns that Purdue Pharma engaged in extensive off-label marketing of OxyContin, a time-released, Schedule II opioid used for pain management of moderate to severe pain over an extended period of time, and that Purdue Pharma failed to adequately disclose abuse and diversion risks associated with the drug in violation of Kentucky’s consumer protection statutes.    » read more »

May 8, 2007 -- Springfield – Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan, along with 26 other attorneys general, today filed a lawsuit and entered into a settlement agreement with Purdue Pharma, L.P., requiring the pharmaceutical company to significantly alter and restrict its practices in promoting the drug, OxyContin, and to pay $19.5 million to the states involved.    » read more »

May 8, 2007 -- Boise – Idaho Attorney General Lawrence Wasden and the Attorneys General of 25 states and the District of Columbia reached a settlement with Purdue Pharma (“Purdue”) which will prohibit the practice of “off label” marketing of the prescription drug OxyContin and may reduce the incidence of addiction.    » read more »

May 8, 2007, Juneau, Alaska – Alaska Governor Sarah Palin today removed VECO Chief Executive Officer Bill Allen from the Alaska-Alberta Bilateral Council.

“It is inappropriate to have Allen serving the state in any capacity,” said Governor Palin. “My administration notified him, around noon today, of his removal from the Alaska-Alberta Bilateral Council.”

Former Governor Frank Murkowski appointed Allen to the Council in March of 2004.

Source: Alaska Governor

May 8, 2007 -- Connecticut Attorney General Richard Blumenthal and Department of Consumer Protection (DCP) Commissioner Jerry Farrell, Jr. today announced the maker of OxyContin has agreed to stop alleged illegal marketing of the drug and take additional steps against abuse and diversion.

The settlement also requires Purdue Pharma, LLC, of Stamford to pay Connecticut $719,500, part of $19.5 million it will pay Connecticut, 25 other states and the District of Columbia. Connecticut will allocate $100,000 from the settlement to help fund a state prescription drug monitoring system.    » read more »

Statement of the Department of Justice Antitrust Division on its Decision to Close Its Investigation of Smithfield Inc.’s Acquisition of Premium Standard Farms Inc.; Division Concludes Merged Firm is Not Likely to Harm Competition, Consumers or Farmers

May 4, 2007 -- WASHINGTON — The Department of Justice’s Antitrust Division issued the following statement today after the Department announced the closing of its investigation of the proposed acquisition by Smithfield Foods Inc. of Premium Standard Farms Inc:    » read more »

04 May 2007 -- Brazil has rejected a U.S. drug maker's offer of a 30 percent discount on an anti-AIDS drug, Efavirenz.

President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva's office is now deciding whether to break the drug's patent by making it or buying generic versions.

A spokesperson from Merck expressed disappointment at Brazil's rejection of the offer and said Merck had repeatedly asked to meet with Brazil's Health Ministry to reach an agreement.    » read more »

Need to Act Fast

May 04, 2007 -- SEATTLE – You may be owed money if you paid for a video subscription service from Movieland.com, bought Spyware Cleaner software or a Sony BMG music CD, or were billed for a shopping service or travel club you didn’t want. The Washington Attorney General’s Office Consumer Protection Division says thousands of Washington consumers are potentially eligible for refunds for products and services as a result of government settlements. But with deadlines rapidly approaching, those consumers need to submit their claims soon in order to receive payment.    » read more »

May. 04, 2007 -- AUSTIN - Texas Governor Rick Perry today awarded $749,829 to Photodigm Inc. of Richardson for further development of its advanced laser technology, which will result in more affordable and efficient laser systems necessary for equipment used in communications, digital imaging, defense and medical devices. For example, Photodigm lasers are currently being used in defense systems, including ultra-high performance sensors for airborne detection of submarines.    » read more »

May 4, 2007 -- (SANTA FE) — New Mexico Attorney General Gary King today joined with the State Investment Council, Educational Retirement Board and the Public Employees Retirement Association in announcing an almost $16 million settlement with media conglomerate AOL/Time Warner. The settlement came as part of a lawsuit filed by the Attorney General’s Office following the merger between Internet service provider America Online (AOL) and media giant Time Warner.    » read more »

(May 3, 4:35 p.m.) The Arizona Department of Health Services is operating a call center to help residents and business owners understand the Smoke-Free Arizona Act, a statewide smoke free law.

The free call center, accessible by dailing 1-877-AZ STOPS (1-877-297-8677), is staffed by trained, qualified operators from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Recorded information is available during other times of the day.

The call center and a corresponding Web site are designed to help business owners and the public understand and comply with the law.    » read more »

03 May 2007 -- Venezuela has threatened to eject U.S.-based oil giant ConocoPhillips from the country if it continues to resist the government's takeover of its multi-billion-dollar operations.

On Tuesday, Venezuela took control of four oil projects along the Orinoco River from their foreign operators.

ConocoPhillips was the only company that refused to sign an accord recognizing the takeover.

Venezuelan Oil Minister Rafael Ramirez Thursday told state television that any company that does not accept the new terms will have to leave.    » read more »