Pharmaceutical Company Allegedly Involved In Kickback Scheme For Opioid Medication

For several decades, one of my key areas of research, publication, and invited lectures has been the ethical and legal implications of healthcare’s changing economics. I have also focused on some of the ethical and legal challenges found in human clinical research. Together, those have converged periodically into an exploration of the conflicts of interest created by certain forms of marketing for drugs and devices. I have some knowledge of relevant statutory and regulatory governance regarding kickbacks, though I would not consider myself to be a legal expert in the field. I am also aware that FDA is reviewing and potentially modifying its regulations regarding advertising of off-label uses for otherwise-approved drugs and devices. In the past several decades, a number of research studies have been done exploring the effects on physicians of various forms of marketing, ranging from all-expense-paid trips to exotic destinations, to simple promotions such as modest meals, notepads, and pens. I have published and lectured on this topic, and I serve on a relevant committee at a southeastern health science center.