Yet another former Insys Therapeutics (INSY) sales rep has pleaded guilty to bribing doctors to write prescriptions for the Subsys opioid painkiller, which contains fentanyl and carries a high risk of dependency.
Michelle Breitenbach, 38, who worked in New Jersey for the drug maker, paid kickbacks and bribes to an unspecified number of physicians in the form of speaking fees for purported education events, according to the New Jersey attorney general. She faces up to five years in prison.
The details followed a familiar pattern. Doctors agreed to speak on behalf of the company at events that involved free meals at pricey restaurants, and they were paid whether or not other physicians attended to learn about Subsys. Insys sales reps were pressured to promote the program as a way to drive prescriptions. Breitenbach admitted the speaking payments were actually rewards for prescribing.
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