How the "Revolving Door" and Other Aspects of Corporatism Benefited Amgen Just After its Settlement and Guilty Plea

At least here in these United States, our health care corporatism is bipartisan.  Here we present a sorry story of how a company that should have been shamed by dishonest behavior that likely harmed patients instead apparently was awarded special treatment through its cozy relationships with top government leaders   Accusations of Kickbacks and Deceptive Marketing of Aranesp  Last month, biotechnology giant pleaded guilty to a charge of misbranding and settled civil charges with the US government for $762 million (look here).  Soon after, New York Times article described the unethical practices the company was alleged to have performed.  It opened with a vivid anecdote:'I hope no one is taping this,' the Amgen manager remarked at a company sales meeting in 2005.The manager then boasted of how she had given a $10,000 unrestricted grant to a pet project of a doctor who was an adviser to the local  Medicare contractor. In turn, she said, the doctor would help persuade the contractor to provide reimbursement for an unapproved use of Amgen’s anemia drug, Aranesp.  Since that account appeared to be of a quid pro quo, it did sound like some a kickback or bribery.  In addition, Amgen is also accused of offering kickbacks to doctors and clinics to induce them to use its drugs. These reportedly came as cash, rebates, free samples, educational and research grants, dinners and travel, and other inducements.   Of course...
Source: Health Care Renewal - Category: Health Medicine and Bioethics Commentators Tags: Amgen deception kickbacks stealth health policy advocacy crime revolving doors corporatism adverse effects Source Type: blogs