The US government's investigation into Cephalon's illegal marketing practices that culminated in a $425,000,000 settlement and guilty plea by the pharmaceutical company began in January 2003 with a Cephalon sales representative in Ohio.
The sales representative, Bruce Boise, refused to follow company-ordered sales strategies to convince doctors to prescribe Cephalon's Actiq, Gabitril and Provigil drugs for unapproved ("off-label') uses because he was worried the sales practices were illegal and the "off-label" uses were dangerous for patients.
Boise was so concerned about Cephalon's off-label marketing that he contacted the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to inform them of what the company was doing and then agreed to wear a wire to a company sales conference to help the government gather evidence.
The decision to report Cephalon to the FDA cost Boise his job and future employment in the pharmaceutical industry. But his information helped end Cephalon's illegal marketing practices that put patients at risk and led to the settlement.
Bruce, plus three other whistleblowers received a $46 million reward for this.
Story
The sales representative, Bruce Boise, refused to follow company-ordered sales strategies to convince doctors to prescribe Cephalon's Actiq, Gabitril and Provigil drugs for unapproved ("off-label') uses because he was worried the sales practices were illegal and the "off-label" uses were dangerous for patients.
Boise was so concerned about Cephalon's off-label marketing that he contacted the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to inform them of what the company was doing and then agreed to wear a wire to a company sales conference to help the government gather evidence.
The decision to report Cephalon to the FDA cost Boise his job and future employment in the pharmaceutical industry. But his information helped end Cephalon's illegal marketing practices that put patients at risk and led to the settlement.
Bruce, plus three other whistleblowers received a $46 million reward for this.
Story
Plus a recent Washington Post article stated they have enough qui tam suits to keep them busy for the next ten years!
And, out of 900+ cases, over 500 have to do with the healthcare industry............
Kerching!
1 comment:
It is very difficult to do, which is called a FCA Qui Tam case that is filed at a US atty's office. if you file in boston of philadelphia, they will take you more seriously.
You have to learn about law specific to your action you plan to do. Most do not have this knowledge. Yet it is greatly needed if you decide to take action and have it be successful.
You are blacklisted from employment in many industries besides Pharmaceutical
Your mind becomes a mess as you re-evaluate your stance in your life.
I believe no one does this because of their desire for money from a settlement that may occur. Thier conviction and principles guide them, and they are bonafide
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