Pharmaceutical and Medical Device Companies Face Legal Consequences for Illegal Practices
In recent years, several pharmaceutical and medical device companies have faced legal consequences for their illegal practices, including off-label promotion and kickbacks to medical providers. Hagens Berman has played a significant role in exposing these wrongdoing, representing whistleblowers who brought forth claims under the False Claims Act.
US WorldMeds Settlement
One notable case is the settlement between US WorldMeds LLC and the government in 2019. The company was accused of promoting its injectable products off-label and providing unlawful kickbacks to medical providers. Hagens Berman represented the Senior Medical Director at US WorldMeds, who brought forth the claims under the False Claims Act.
Highlights
- Improper relationships between pharmaceutical companies and medical providers
- Importance of enforcing the Anti-Kickback Statute through the False Claims Act
- Significant financial penalty for the company
Medtronic Case
Another notable case is the settlement between Medtronic Inc. and the government. Hagens Berman represented two whistleblowers who challenged the company’s off-label promotion of medical devices. The case highlighted an industry practice of promoting medical devices approved by the FDA for one class of use, but promoted for higher-risk use.
Highlights
- Industry practice of promoting medical devices for higher-risk use
- Importance of enforcing laws and regulations related to pharmaceutical and medical device companies
- Significant financial penalty for the company and awards for whistleblowers
Pfizer Case
Hagens Berman also represented an expert physician and scientist who brought forth claims against Pfizer Inc. under the False Claims Act. The case challenged the company’s alleged off-label promotion and marketing of its statin drug, Lipitor.
Highlights
- Importance of ensuring pharmaceutical companies comply with FDA regulations
- Prevention of illegal practices such as off-label promotion
Other Notable Cases
Hagens Berman has also represented whistleblowers in cases against:
- Brookhaven Memorial Hospital
- Trinitas Hospital
- Center for Diagnostic Imaging
- Sound Inpatient Physicians
- Others
Highlights
- Significant financial penalties and awards for whistleblowers
- Enforcement of laws and regulations related to pharmaceutical and medical device companies
Conclusion
Hagens Berman’s experience in representing whistleblowers in pharmaceutical and medical device cases demonstrates the importance of enforcing laws and regulations related to these industries. The company’s success in bringing forth claims under the False Claims Act has resulted in significant financial penalties for companies that engage in illegal practices, as well as awards for the whistleblowers who bring forth these claims.
For more information on Hagens Berman’s whistleblower representation services, please visit our website or contact us directly.