July 7, 2010 - Rheumatologists Claim Intimidation From Maker Over Criticism Of Colcrys.

The Wall Street Journal (7/7, Rockoff) reports that last year after the FDA approved URL Pharma, Inc.'s gout treatment, Colcrys (colchicine), several physicians criticized both the drugmaker and the FDA online, and some urged fellow rheumatologists to instead use the generic version which costs pennies a pill, as opposed to Colcrys, which costs $5. URL responded by sending letters to the physicians, warning them that their posts could lead to lawsuits. Several of the physicians, who are members of a discussion group sponsored by the American College of Rheumatology, say that URL is attempting to intimidate them.