Oregon gets $1.2 million in settlement with Pfizer over drug misrepresentation

Oregon will receive $1.2 million as part of a $35 million settlement with a pharmaceutical giant over the marketing of one of its drugs.

Forty-two states are involved in the settlement with Pfizer Inc., the parent company of Wyeth Pharmaceuticals Inc., to resolve allegations that Wyeth misrepresented the uses and benefits of the drug Rapamune.

Rapamune was approved to help patients' bodies prevent the rejection of kidney transplants.

The states alleged the company promoted the drug to doctors for uses following other organ transplants, such as livers or hearts, and promoted its use in unapproved drug combinations.

Oregon was one of two lead states in the settlement. The money will go into the state's consumer protection and education account.