Voltaren controversies
Controversies tied to this brand in public sources. A listing is not a finding of fault.
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2020
Misleading Osteo Gel and Emulgel comparisons in Australia
The Australian Federal Court found that Novartis and GSK marketing made Voltaren Osteo Gel appear more effective than Voltaren Emulgel even though the products were essentially the same gel for the relevant osteoarthritis use. The court also noted that Osteo Gel's recommended retail price could be up to 16% higher. Penalties totaled $4.5 million, and packaging was subsequently amended.
2020
Federal Court fines GSK and Novartis over Osteo Gel marketing
Fine or penalty
The Federal Court ordered GlaxoSmithKline to pay $1.5 million and Novartis to pay $3 million after the companies admitted breaching Australian consumer law through their marketing of Osteo Gel between 2012 and 2017. The court found that the marketing misled consumers about the product's effectiveness compared with Emulgel.
Company response
Apology — GSK
In an affidavit, GSK's head of legal Navaneetha Dilipumakanth apologised for the company's conduct and admitted it had "fallen short of the standards expected of it under the Australian Consumer Law".
Source excerpt
GSK and Novartis admitted they had breached Australian consumer law with their marketing of Osteo Gel between 2012 and 2017.
In an affidavit, GSK's head of legal Navaneetha Dilipumakanth apologised for the company's conduct and admitted it had "fallen short of the standards expected of it under the Australian Consumer Law".
The parties also agreed on the question of penalties and Federal Court Justice Robert Bromwich today ordered GSK pay a fine of $1.5 million and Novartis pay $3 million.