WASHINGTON, June 10 (UPI) -- Danish drugmaker Novo Nordisk said Friday it had settled two cases with the U.S. Justice Department for a total penalty of $26.7 million.
The firm said it would pay $25 million to settle charges of marketing abuse having to do with the drug NovoSeven.
It would also pay $1.7 million to settle allegations that the firm's sales representatives paid Rite Aid pharmacists to recommend their diabetes medicine to doctors.
The Justice Department said Rite Aid also gave the drug company access to confidential patient information to help market the products.
"When pharmaceutical companies pay kickbacks -- as Novo Nordisk is alleged to have done -- it is especially insidious because patients may not be receiving untainted medical advice," said Tom O'Donnell, special agent-in-charge of New York's Department of Health and Human Services inspector general's office.
Companies that misuse patient information "should not be surprised when they are held accountable," O'Donnell said.
