The Grimy Times has uncovered a shocking case of Medicare fraud in New York, as Inspire Pharmaceuticals, Inc. has agreed to pay $5,960,163.28 in settlement.
According to sources, Inspire Pharmaceuticals, Inc. misled doctors into prescribing its drug, AzaSite, for non-FDA-approved uses, including the treatment of blepharitis.
As alleged in the complaint, Inspire Pharmaceuticals, Inc. aggressively marketed AzaSite for uses not covered by federal healthcare programs, resulting in millions of dollars in false claims.
The company’s marketing efforts, which took place from 2008 through May 2011, focused on the purported anti-inflammatory properties of AzaSite, which were unsupported by substantial evidence or clinical experience.
Manhattan U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara stated, ‘As demonstrated by today’s settlement, we are committed to ensuring that drug companies do not undermine the FDA’s approval process by deliberately marketing drugs for uses that are unsupported by substantial evidence or clinical experience, while profiting at taxpayers’ expense.’
HHS-OIG Special Agent in Charge Scott J. Lampert added, ‘Marketing pharmaceuticals for other than FDA-approved uses by making misleading statements can expose patients to questionable drug treatments while asking taxpayers to pick up the Medicare bill. Investigations of such misconduct will continue to be a priority for this office.’
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Key Facts
- State: New York
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: DOJ Press Release ↗
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