Florida sues Pfizer and its chief executive over Covid-19 vaccine marketing

Florida's attorney-general has sued Pfizer (PFE) and its chief executive Albert Bourla, accusing the drugmaker of misleading consumers about the safety and effectiveness of its Covid-19 vaccine.

James Uthmeier filed the suit in state court under Florida's consumer protection law. It alleges that Pfizer told consumers the vaccine was safe while failing to disclose potential risks, including heart inflammation and other adverse events. It also claims the company urged people to get vaccinated to protect others, even though it never tested whether the shot stopped transmission of the virus.

The state further accuses Pfizer of using unfair tactics to dominate the market. It says the company generated more than $80bn from vaccine sales, then nearly quadrupled the price to between $110 and $130 a dose in 2023, from $30.

Florida is seeking a court order to halt the alleged conduct, fines of $10,000 per violation, or $15,000 where seniors or disabled people were harmed, and the return of profits.

Pfizer said the allegations had no merit and that it would respond to the suit in due course. "The representations made by Pfizer about its Covid-19 vaccine have been accurate and science-based, and the company stands behind the safety and efficacy of its vaccine," it said.

The attorney-general's office said the complaint and Uthmeier's comments "speak for themselves" when asked by Reuters for further comment.