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Dr. Jarvik Defends Lipitor Ads on 'Good Morning America'

NEW YORK (Jan. 16) – In a live appearance today on the ABC News program “Good Morning America,” Dr. Robert Jarvik said the television and print ads that he appears in for Lipitor are intended to be educational and inform patients about the preventative aspect of taking the medication for cholesterol and heart disease.

 “Our ad campaign with Pfizer is educational,” he noted in the interview with Diane Sawyer. “Lipitor is the most widely prescribed drug in the country. For every prescription there is a doctor writing it. It's a huge vote of confidence.” Jarvik is the inventor of the artificial heart. His role as a spokesman for Lipitor is now being investigated by the U.S. House’s Committee on Energy and Commerce’s subcommittee on oversight and investigations. (Jarvik is not a licensed physician, and two federal legislators are questioning his role as a “celebrity” spokesman for Lipitor, which is marketed by Pfizer.)

In the heavily-run television spots, which have been airing for the past year, Jarvik says, “Lipitor is one of the most researched medicines. I'm glad I take Lipitor, as a doctor, and a dad.”

According to the ABC News Web site, Jarvik did not continue his medical training after medical school, cannot legally prescribe prescription drugs and is not licensed to practice medicine. “I am a medical scientist not a practical physician,” he explained in the appearance on “Good Morning America.”

He added, “I think it's very upfront. I am a doctor. I have long experience with heart disease.”

Congressman John Dingell (D-Mich.) and Rep. Bart Stupak (D-Mich.) sent a letter to Pfizer last week, questioning Jarvik’s credibility and requesting company documents. “Is he entitled to appear here and prescribe or give the impression he can prescribe prescription pharmaceuticals for patients?” Dingell asked, according to various reports. “I think the law in every state says, no he’s not, because he can't prescribe medicine in any state we can find.”

In a statement, Pfizer said “Dr. Jarvik is a respected health-care professional and heart expert. The advertising advises consumers to speak to their physicians about their heart health.”