Pfizer to be sued by Aids foundation over Viagra ads

Aids Healthcare foundation has announced that it is to sue pharmaceutical firm Pfizer in relation to its advertisements for erectile dysfunction treatment Viagra (sildenafil citrate).

The healthcare provider has argued that the company’s business-to-consumer advertisements encourage recreational use of the compound and increase the incidence of HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).

It has announced that it will hold a press conference today to notify the public that it will file a lawsuit against the firm for unlawful, unfair and fraudulent business practices.

The foundation reports that Pfizer’s “illegal” conduct and “deceptive” marketing of Viagra has resulted in an increase in the spread of STDs including HIV/Aids.

“Pfizer has engaged in and continues to engage in this conduct despite clear evidence of its illegality and harmful effects,” it adds.

The Aids Healthcare Foundation is based in Los Angeles and offers medication and support to over 27,000 people in the US, Africa, Asia and central America, irrespective of ability to pay.

Pfizer reports that the safety of Viagra has been exhibited in over 130 clinical trials involving 13,000 patients, with 23 million men worldwide using the product, with over one billion doses of the drug being prescribed since its approval.