Whistleblower Lawsuit Filed Against Medtronic

A whistleblower lawsuit was filed against Medtronic Inc. claiming the medical device maker paid doctors in secret so that they would promote the company’s Infuse bone graft and Pyramid to patients and medical journals.

Joanne Hartwig claims that her doctor implanted a Pyramid plate in her back without telling her that it was an off-label - or unapproved -  experimental use of the product, according to Law360 (subscription required). She also says that her doctor did not tell her that Medtronic was sending him payments.

“In furtherance of its fraudulent course of conduct, Medtronic utilized the participation of physicians in the fraudulent scheme through the payment of sham consulting fees, royalty fees, and other educational fees and benefits,” according to the complaint.

The whistleblower lawsuit claims that the medical device maker violated the False Claims Act and the federal Anti-Kickback Statute.

Last month, Medtronic agreed to settle a federal class action for $85 million filed by shareholders claiming the company lied to investors about its promoting of the Infuse product.

If you or someone you know has information about a company defrauding the government, contact Sokolove Law for a free legal consultation. Call us today at (800)-561-7154.

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