Seven Ohio oncologists have been handed a stunning $2.6 million penalty after pleading guilty to importing cancer medications that had not received approval from the Federal Drug Administration, announced Steven M. Dettelbach, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio.
The doctors were sentenced to probation and ordered to pay substantial fines and restitution following their conviction for causing the shipment of misbranded drugs, a misdemeanor violation of the Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act. Their names, ages, cities, and amounts due are as follows:
Ranjan Bhandari, 56, Liverpool, $1,139,532.
Timmappa Bidari, 68, Parma, $158,418.
David Fishman, 62, Euclid, $150,000.
Su-Chiao Kuo, 60, Brunswick, $179,840.
Marwan Massouh, 54, Westlake, $609,150.
Poornanand Palaparty, 62, Cleveland, $128,160.
Hassan Tahsildar, 55, Euclid, $179,316.
Dettelbach emphasized the gravity of the offense, stating, “These doctors used drugs that had not been approved by the FDA. Our office is committed to ensuring patients receive properly inspected medicine.”
Antoinette V. Henry, Special Agent in Charge of the FDA’s Office of Criminal Investigations, echoed Dettelbach’s sentiments, “FDA’s regulatory standards are designed to ensure safety and quality in medical devices and drugs. We will continue to investigate all who disregard these requirements and jeopardize public health.”
Lamont Pugh III, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services Office of Inspector General – Chicago Region, condemned the actions, “The introduction of misbranded prescription medications billed to Medicare is improper and illegal. This conduct is potentially harmful to patients and squanders vital taxpayer dollars.”
The accused oncologists are alleged to have obtained drugs such as Zometa, Kytril, Taxotere, Gemzar, Eloxatin, and others from outside the United States, where these drugs were not approved by the FDA. Misbranded drugs can be identical in composition to FDA-approved drugs but lack proper labeling or packaging.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michael L. Collyer and James L. Bickett prosecuted the case following investigations by the FDA – Office of Criminal Investigations and the Department of Health and Human Services – Office of Inspector General. Those suspecting healthcare fraud, waste, or abuse can report it to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General at 800-447-8477. More information on health care fraud prevention and enforcement is available at www.stopmedicarefraud.gov.
RELATED: Ohio Docs Accused of Risky Cancer Drug Import Scheme
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Key Facts
- State: Ohio
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Fraud & Financial Crimes|Public Corruption
- Source: Official Source ↗
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