Insights on Investigations

In a surprising move that could dramatically impact government enforcement actions against life science companies, the health care industry, and government contractors, a federal board has increased federal False Claims Act penalties by more than 100 percent. 

The Department of Justice recently announced it has reached a more than $780 million settlement with Pfizer Inc. and its subsidiary Wyeth to resolve reported false pricing allegations.

The US Supreme Court is set to hear oral arguments on April 19 in Universal Health Services, Inc. v. United States ex rel. Escobar, a key case addressing the implied certification theory of liability under the False Claims Act. 

Federal prosecutors appearing at the American Conference Institute’s 16th Annual Forum on Fraud and Abuse in the Sales and Marketing of Medical Devices earlier this month outlined recent enforcement trends that should catch the attention of the health care industry.

Please join Arent Fox in San Francisco for our fifth annual Medical Staff Leaders and the Law Conference.