The state of Florida is examining whether Sun Pharmaceuticals (SUNPHARMA) has distributed samples of medicines without the proper permits, the third U.S. state to take such a step in the past year concerning one of the world’s largest purveyors of generic drugs.
Last month, the Division of Drugs, Devices, and Cosmetics became aware that Sun may have been distributing samples without filing necessary paperwork and so asked the company to explain its practices, according to a source familiar with the matter. Walter Copeland, the division director, declined to comment.
The drug maker faces a similar problem in the state of Washington, where a formal probe was opened after officials became aware the company was distributing samples for more than two years without the necessary license. And last October, Sun Pharma signed a consent order with the Alabama state Board of Pharmacy and paid a $21,000 fine for the same infraction.
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