"We then call the one object, cause; the other, effect. We suppose that there is some connexion between them; some power in the one, by which it infallibly produces the other, and operates with the greatest certainty and strongest necessity... experience only teaches us, how one event constantly follows another; without instructing us in the secret connexion, which binds them together, and renders them inseparable."

-David Hume

Enquiries Concerning the Human Understanding and Principles of Morals, 1737

OTC Product News recognized the danger early on:  that the collapse of J&J's quality systems would endanger its brand heritage and corporate integrity.  Now yet another plant is under inspection by the FDA this time a Merck/J&J joint venture facility managed by J&J that makes Pepcid, Imodium, and Mylanta, all OTC gastrointestinal products [CNN/Money].  If the same corrupted quality system controls J&J's prescription products the contagion could become a pandemic threatening it to the core.

In a hard-to-find, unsigned statement McNeil, not "J&J", issued a Kremlinesque announcement of job lay-offs of 75% of standing headcount and an extended shut-down at its Fort Washington plant lasting into 2011 following its plant contamination and cavalier management.  The fact that this statement was not issued as a corporate press release on its websites confirms more "skulking on the Schuylkill".

Boehringer Ingelheim locks up a promising OTC nasal spray technology to prevent the common cold --- just what Zicam [Matrixx] needed.  Unfortunately the product roll out appears to be entirely outside the US.