Kentucky announces $5.5 million medical fraud settlement with AstraZeneca

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Web Editor - Mason Stevenson

Story Created: Thu Feb 7, 2013 5:56 PM

Story Updated: Thu Feb 7, 2013 5:58 PM

FRANKFORT, Ky. – Kentucky will be receiving $5.5 million in settlement money from AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals LP to resolve allegations the company marketed one of their drugs incorrectly.

Attorney General Jack Conway says Astra Zeneca marketed Seroquel, an atypical antipsychotic drug, for uses not cleared by the Food and Drug Administration.

 “I am pleased that we have reached this settlement and are recovering millions of dollars for a vital state program and for taxpayers,” General Conway said. “We’ve sent a clear message today that Kentucky will not tolerate drug companies that put profits ahead of patient care.”

Under the settlement, $3.3 million will go to the Kentucky Medicaid program.  The remaining amount will be distributed to other state agencies.