When I was a young boy, I used to read Hardy Boys novels. Most young folks today have heard of the Hardy Boys, but not actually read them, but all of the books had these overly dramatic titles. Given today’s latest revelations in the Johnson & Johnson (J&J) crisis, I figured an overly dramatic Hardy Boys title was appropriate.
So here is what we learned today. Congress summoned J&J CEO William C. Weldon to Washington to answer for his company’s actions. Unfortunately, last week, Mr. Weldon decided to undergo emergency cosmetic surgery (or was it “back surgery”) so he was unable to attend. Instead, J&J offered up their official scapegoat – Colleen Goggins, Worldwide Chairman of the Consumer Group. And she showed up this morning.
Naturally, we all have this image of J&J rapidly responding to the Tylenol crisis of 1982. J&J has spent millions cultivating that PR image. But, like the tooth fairy, it’s not the truth. Today, we got a look inside the real Johnson & Johnson. A company that, in 2008, understanding that it had a massive manufacturing problem, sent contractors out into stores to buy up all its Motrin products so it wouldn’t have to recall them (dubbed the “phantom recall”). A company that failed to notify the FDA of the problem (“what law?”) and then waited until July 2009 to actually recall the drug. This is the REAL culture at J&J, by the way.
Meanwhile, we’ve learned that the FDA is tracking over 700 active complaints on J&J products. To this point, the company has maintained that the problems were “process anomalies” and there was no risk to patients. However, we now know that at least some of the 700 complaints are being investigated for possible patient harm (investigated does not mean harm exists, but we can’t be taking J&J’s word on it anymore).
Yes, it was a fascinating day to be an observer of pharmaceutical industry. Unfortunately, J&J’s actions reflect poorly on the entire pharmaceutical industry. Those less sophisticated may pick up on media stories and assume that all drug companies behave like J&J – they don’t. Consumers might believe that all drug companies try to hide contaminated products and wait years to address the problem – they don’t.
Back when I used to read the Hardy Boys and go to Cub Scouts, my mom used to say – don’t let one bad apple spoil the bunch. I think that’s good advice.
