Two former Insys Therapeutics sales employees have agreed to cooperate with a federal government probe that prosecutors have described as a “nationwide conspiracy” to profit from illegally distributing an opioid medication.
Jonathan Roper, a former district sales manager, and Fernando Serrano, a former sales representative, also pleaded guilty to paying kickbacks to doctors in order to boost prescriptions for the Subsys painkiller, which contains fentanyl, a powerful and addictive opioid, prosecutors said Friday. In addition, the feds disclosed indictments of five New York doctors for taking kickbacks.
The probe into Insys comes amid intensifying controversy over the abuse and misuse of prescription painkillers and the extent to which they are appropriately prescribed. The deals with the former sales employees are only the latest setback for the beleaguered drug maker, which has been accused of untoward marketing in a growing number of criminal cases and civil lawsuits.
This article is exclusive to STAT+ subscribers
Unlock this article — plus in-depth analysis, newsletters, premium events, and news alerts.
Already have an account? Log in
About the Author Reprints
To submit a correction request, please visit our Contact Us page.
