STAT+: Gilead to pay $45 million to settle kickback charges filed by Texas attorney general

Gilead Sciences has reached a $45 million settlement to address allegations of kickbacks that influenced prescriptions covered by the Texas Medicaid program. This is the most recent pharmaceutical company to settle with the state regarding its marketing practices. The state's legal action was supported by a whistleblower who filed a lawsuit, alleging Gilead paid another entity to hire registered nurses to advocate for its drugs.

Additionally, the lawsuit claimed Gilead provided free support services to physicians to encourage prescription of its medications, leading to false claims submitted to government programs. This issue dates back nearly a decade, when Health Choice Advocates and related firms initiated whistleblower lawsuits against several pharmaceutical companies.

These claims accused the companies of employing third-party contractors, including nurses, to ensure prescriptions were refilled, either through phone calls or home visits.