Robert jarvik lipitor commercial

Jan. 16, 2008 — -- Robert Jarvik, the inventor of the artificial heart, is at the center of a congressional investigation into his credentials and his role as pitchman for the top-selling cholesterol-lowering drug Lipitor.

In the commercials, Jarvik says, "Lipitor is one of the most researched medicines.

Robert jarvik lipitor commercial with dog

I'm glad I take Lipitor, as a doctor, and a dad."

Despite his famous medical breakthrough, Jarvik ended his training after medical school, instead of completing a medical internship. He can't legally prescribe medicine to anyone and he is not licensed to practice medicine.

"I am a medical scientist not a practical physician," he said on "Good Morning America" today. "I think it's very upfront. I am a doctor. I have long experience with heart disease."

Jarvik, who said he was aware of the drug and used it before he became its pitchman, said he believes the real issue is