Johnson & Johnson Reaches $2.2 Billion Settlement for Physician Kickbacks, Marketing Off-Label Uses of Prescription Drugs

According to a transcript of a press conference given by Attorney General Eric Holder, Johnson & Johnson and three of its subsidaries will pay $2.2 billion to resolve claims of off-label marketing of prescription drugs and paying kickbacks to physicians and pharmacies:

"We are here to announce that Johnson & Johnson and three of its subsidiaries have agreed to pay more than $2.2 billion to resolve criminal and civil claims that they marketed prescription drugs for uses that were never approved as safe and effective – and that they paid kickbacks to both physicians and pharmacies for prescribing and promoting these drugs.  Through these alleged actions, these companies lined their pockets at the expense of American taxpayers, patients, and the private insurance industry.  They drove up costs for everyone in the health care system and negatively impacted the long-term solvency of essential health care programs like Medicare. This global settlement resolves multiple investigations involving the antipsychotic drugs Risperdal and Invega – as well as the heart drug Natrecor and other Johnson & Johnson products.  The settlement also addresses allegations of conduct that recklessly put at risk the health of some of the most vulnerable members of our society – including young children, the elderly, and the disabled."