Van Hollen Announces Pharmaceutical Settlement

MADISON - Attorney General J.B. Van Hollen today announced that Wisconsin Medicaid has received its state share in the amount of $41,223.56 as part of a settlement with Otsuka America Pharmaceutical, Inc.  That share is part of a total settlement amount of $86,381.94 attributable to the Wisconsin Medicaid program as part of a $3.9 million multi-state agreement.  Medicaid is a jointly funded federal and state medical assistance program.

The agreement resolves allegations that Otsuka was involved in the off-label marketing of the prescription drug Abilify.  The marketing promoted Abilify for pediatric and dementia-related applications when the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) had only approved it for the adult treatment of schizophrenia and bi-polar disorder.  Pharmaceutical companies are prohibited from promoting medications for purposes other than those approved by the FDA.  

"This settlement recovers significant restitution for the Medicaid program," noted Van Hollen.  "We continue to look for ways to protect taxpayer dollars, and ensure that those people who truly need the help from Medicaid can get it."