15 states sue Amgen, allgeging kickback scheme to boost sales of anemia drug Aranesp

15 states sue Amgen alleging kickback scheme

NEW YORK — Biotechnology behemoth Amgen Inc. is being sued by 15 states alleging a scheme of kickbacks to medical providers to help boost sales of the anemia drug Aranesp.

The New York Attorney General’s office says it and 15 states allege the South San Francisco, Calif., company encouraged medical providers to bill third parties, including Medicaid, for Aranesp, which was available at no cost. The lawsuit also alleges that Amgen conspired to offer kickbacks, including nonexistent consultancy deals and weekend retreats, to boost prescriptions of Aranesp.

Amgen could not immediately be reached for comment Friday afternoon.