November 12, 2020 โ U.S. District Judge Anita B. Brody โtrimmedโ claims accusing Sanofiโs predecessor, Aventis Pharmaceuticals, of false advertising and giving kickbacks to physicians who promoted Taxotere. Claims stated that between 1996 and 2004, the drug manufacturer paid doctors to attend advisory boards focused on advertising Taxotere. The doctors then prescribed Taxotere or off-brand versions of Taxotere to their patients after receiving kickbacks.
Judge Brody ruled that the evidence likely indicates that Sanofi was aware its advisory boards did not align with its internal compliance policies.
The manufacturer was able to get rid of a false advertising claim. It also avoided allegations of running a scheme in which sales representatives shadowed doctors and distributing kickbacks through meals and gift baskets.
Reference: โSanofi Must Face Cancer Drug FCA Claims At Trial.โ Law360, www.law360.com/trials/articles/1328289/sanofi-must-face-cancer-drug-fca-claims-at-trial