Pfizer to pay $60 million to settle claims that Biohaven paid kickbacks to doctors

Pfizer agreed to pay practically $60 million to resolve allegations that its Biohaven Prescription drugs unit paid kickbacks to entice physicians to prescribe a migraine therapy. The alleged violations occurred earlier than Pfizer purchased the corporate three years in the past, in response to the U.S. Division of Justice.

The authorities alleged that, from March 2020 via September 2022, Biohaven improperly paid docs talking charges and for meals at “excessive finish” eating places with a view to persuade them to prescribe Nurtec ODT, the centerpiece of the $11.6 billion acquisition. The 12 months earlier than, the remedy generated $462.5 million in gross sales.

The Justice Division additionally claimed that sure docs who attended a number of applications about the identical subject didn’t really obtain any instructional profit from doing so. As well as, the applications have been attended by individuals with “no instructional must attend, such because the audio system’ spouses, relations, or pals, or colleagues from the audio system’ personal medical apply.”