⏱ 2 min read
A California pharma giant coughed up $13.6 million to settle allegations it paid kickbacks to docs to peddle its antidepressant, Trintellix. Takeda Pharmaceuticals, U.S.A., Inc. allegedly bribed healthcare providers to prescribe Trintellix for major depressive disorder, violating the False Claims Act.
Assistant Attorney General Brett A. Shumate said the DOJ is committed to cracking down on such violations, which erode trust between patients and healthcare providers and hike drug costs for taxpayers. In a Sacramento courtroom, U.S. Attorney Eric Grant echoed that sentiment, saying prescribing decisions shouldn’t be influenced by pharma payments or side perks.
The Anti-Kickback Statute prohibits offering or paying anything of value to induce referrals of items or services covered by Medicare, Medicaid, TRICARE, and other federal health care programs. HHS-OIG Acting Deputy Inspector General Scott J. Lampert vowed to hold accountable entities that disguise kickbacks as legitimate compensation.
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📋 Key Facts
- Crime: White Collar Crime
- Defendant: California
- Location: CA
- Source: DOJ Press Release
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