Two Ex-Insys Saleswomen Plead Guilty in U.S. to Drug Kickback Schemes
The number of former Insys Therapeutics employees who are pleading guilty to criminal charges is increasing. A Reuters release (provided via CNBC) said that Natalie Levine and Karen Hill, “Two former Insys Therapeutics Inc sales representatives… pleaded guilty on Tuesday to engaging in schemes to pay kickbacks to medical practitioners to prescribe a drug containing the opioid fentanyl.” Levine is the wife of former Insys CEO Michael Babich, who has also been charged in connection with the scheme.
If convicted, Hill and Levine face up to 5 years in prison. Two doctors from Alabama accused of running a pill mill, Xiulu Ruan and John Couch, have already been sentenced for their roles in the scheme to 20 and 21 years (respectively) in prison.
A recap of the Insys scandal
Insys Therapeutics manufactures an opioid drug called Subsys, which was approved to alleviate spikes in acute pain suffered by cancer patients. Subsys, which is between 50 and 100x more powerful than morphine, is sprayed directly under the tongue of the patient, offering instant relief.
Insys, however, bullied and bribed doctors into prescribing Subsys for chronic pain management, offering kickbacks disguised as “speakers’ fees” to participating doctors. They also made fraudulent claims to insurance companies in order to obtain reimbursement for the medication.
McGowan, Hood, Felder & Phillips, LLC, is fighting back against Insys Therapeutics on behalf of clients who became addicted to a drug they never should have been prescribed, and on behalf of families whose loved ones have died as a result of using Subsys. If you have questions, or if you believe you may have a case against Insys Therapeutics, please call our dangerous drug attorneys at 803-327-7800, or fill out our contact form.
Randy is the former President of the South Carolina Association for Justice. He has been certified by the American Board of Professional Liability as a specialist in Medical Malpractice Law which is recognized by the South Carolina Bar. Randy has also been awarded the distinction of being a “Super Lawyer” 10 times in the last decade. He has over 25 years of experience helping injured people fight back against corporations, hospitals and wrong-doers.
Read more about S. Randall Hood