Pharmaceuticals

GSK, 45 states settle illegal drug marketing claim

North Carolina's attorney general says GlaxoSmithKline is paying 45 states $105 million to settle allegations that the company unlawfully marketed drugs.

Attorney General Roy Cooper's office announced the settlement on Wednesday.

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The Consumer Protection Division filed a complaint and consent judgment in Wake County Superior Court against GlaxoSmithKline on Wednesday. North Carolina will receive $2.5 million as its share of the judgment.

The settlement resolves allegations that GSK illegally marketed Advair, Paxil and Wellbutrin for purposes that had not been approved by the Food and Drug Administration. Once the FDA approves a drug as safe and effective, a manufacturer cannot market or promote that drug for an unapproved use, a practice called off-label marketing.