Pfizer Pulls Ad After Government Pressure

Ads for cholesterol-reducing drug Lipitor featuring Dr. Robert Jarvik have been pulled after leaders of the House energy and commerce committee launched an investigation. Concerns arose over Jarvik being viewed as a medical expert giving medical advice when he has spent most of his career centered around the invention of the artificial heart.

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The investigation found Jarvik did not start taking Lipitor until Pfizer hired him. A shot in the commercial also features a man rowing a boat that implies it's Jarvik but it is a stunt double instead.

More on Pfizer's Advertising:

Pfizer says it will commit to being more clear in future advertising. While members of the House praise Pfizer's decision to pull the ad but they do plan to meet with Dr. Robert Jarvik and say they are committed to fighting all deception in direct-to-consumer medical advertising.