$12 billion has been recovered from pharmaceutical companies: Study

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Since 1996, $12 billion has been recovered from pharmaceutical companies in the United States for legal cases stemming from fraud and abuse, according to a new research article. More than three quarters of the 31 cases prosecuted were initiated by whistle-blowers, usually current or former employees.

“Settlements and fines resolving allegations of fraudulent marketing practices accounted for the largest recoveries,” write Charles Bennett, MD, PhD, MPP, from the South Carolina College of Pharmacy, Columbia, and colleagues. The study was published in the September 12 issue of the *Archives of Internal Medicine.*

The investigators reported that from 1996 to 2000, only a single healthcare-related case was prosecuted, resulting in a recovery of $8 million. From 2001 to 2005, 15 cases were brought, and $3.9 billion was recovered. From 2006 to 2010, another 15 cases were prosecuted, and $8.1 billion was recovered.

Ref and Read more: http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/749508?sssdmh=dm1.718048&src=nldne

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