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# Novartis Violated Integrity Agreement: Justice Dept.
- URL: https://www.fdaweb.com/novartis-violated-integrity-agreement-justice-dept/
- Published: 2016-03-30T12:00:00.000Z
- Updated: 2026-09-14T20:51:53.000Z
- Author: David McFarland
- Tags: Drugs, FDA Policy/General, #legacy-id-D5135226

> The Justice Department says Novartis has violated a Corporate Integrity Agreement it signed following the $422.5 million settlement of a 2010 case against the company over its drug promotional practices, and should now be hit with each tougher penalties. The government says the company engaged in a nationwide kickback scheme over 10 years to induce doctors to prescribe some of its cardiovascular drugs.  
>  
> According to reports, the case is centered on sham speaking and other promotional programs for drugs such as Lotrel and Valturna. A 2013 whistleblower case that the Justice Department joined reportedly contains allegations that many of the promotional events were little more than social occasions for doctors, who were wined and dined at high-end restaurants and in sports bars, on fishing trips and at other venues not conducive to an educational program.  
>  
> Many of the “speakers” were nominated by company sales representatives, the government says,  
>  
> The department says that although company policy required at least three healthcare professionals in attendance at an event, there were many programs with no one present except from the speaker’s own practice.