Poor GSK. They've been reprimanded by a UK industry watchdog for promoting their then unlicensed drug ropinirole to treat the disputed condition of restless legs syndrome (aka Ekbom's syndrome).
GSK admitted giving the Ekbom Support Group administrative help, paying for headed stationery and the installation of broadband access.
UK No Free Lunch's Dr Des Spence, the Glasgow GP who raised the complaint, said the case was an example of the way pharmaceutical companies used patient groups to promote a new condition, and then supplied drugs to treat it.
“The Ekbom Support Group was hijacked by GSK to promote restless legs syndrome and the GSK drug ropinirole,” he said. “I am not saying some people do not experience pain and restless legs but claims on the website that it is a widespread and serious condition are disproportionate.”
The Times has the news.
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