Big pharma’s biggest secret paymasters

ABBVIE

Best known for its Humira drug for rheumatoid arthritis. Abbvie has drawn criticism for its legal manoeuvres to extend the patent life of this drug – a move that kept prices high. In 2022 Abbvie made payments of €1.2m to 340 Irish-based doctors and healthcare organisations. Ninty three of the doctors, who received €186,543 between them, refused to have their identity made public.

ROCHE

Has many blockbuster cancer drugs. Also introduced controversial anti-acne drug, Accutane/Roaccutane and pioneered Valium. In 2022 Roche made payments of €1.2m to 205 Irish-based doctors and healthcare organisations. One hundred and eight of these doctors, who received €164,860 between them, refused to have their identity made public.

BAYER

Today, Bayer’s best-selling drug is Xarelto, a blood clot reducing medication. In the past Bayer introduced aspirin in 1899 and heroin, as a pain and cough medication, in 1898. In 2022 Bayer made payments of €706,000 to 247 Irish-based doctors and healthcare organisations. Forty eight of these doctors, who received €70,013 between them, refused to have their identity made public.

NOVO NORDISK

Now best known for Ozempic, its diabetes/weight loss drug. In 2022 Novo Nordisk, which has a major manufacturing facility in Dublin, made payments of €698,000 to 365 Irish-based doctors and healthcare organisations. One hundred and seven of these doctors, who received €106,597 between them, refused to have their identity made public.

ELI LILLY

Eli Lilly’s best-selling drugs are diabetes medicines Trulicity, Jardiance and Mounjaro, which is a direct competitor of Ozempic. In 2022 the Prozac manufacturer, which employs 3,000 people in Ireland, made payments of €226,000 to 142 Irish-based doctors and healthcare organisations. Seventy six of these doctors, who received €52,699 between them, refused to have their identity made public.