Former Employee of Insys Therapeutics to Plead Guilty of Wire Fraud Conspiracy
Reuters has reported that Elizabeth Gurrieri, a former employee of Insys Therapeutics, is expected to plead guilty to one count of wire fraud conspiracy. As per the report, Gurrieri’s “agreement to cooperate came as Insys works to reach a settlement with the U.S. Justice Department in connection with the investigation.” She is the second employee to come forward and admit guilt.
The federal government has indicted Alec Burlakoff, Michael J. Gurry, Richard M. Simon, Sunrise Lee and Joseph A. Rowan on racketeering charges, though all five have pled not-guilty. AZCentral.com reports that “The federal indictment lists examples of improper kickbacks paid to 10 doctors, physician assistants and advanced-practice nurses in Alabama, Arkansas, Connecticut, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, New Hampshire and Texas.”
What did Insys do wrong?
Insys Therapeutics created a fentanyl sublingual drug called Subsys. That drug was designed to treat acute pain breakouts in cancer patients. Realizing there was money to be made, Insys executives launched a scheme to convince doctors, either through bullying or by offering kickbacks, to prescribe the drug for off-label use as a drug for chronic pain management. As McGowan, Hood, Felder & Phillips, LLC reported, the employees were forced to pose as doctors and healthcare professionals and then told to lie to insurance companies, so that the company could be reimbursed by those insurers.
The scheme netted Insys millions, and subjected people throughout the country to the risk of opioid addiction and death.
McGowan, Hood, Felder & Phillips, LLC, is currently accepting cases against Insys Therapeutics. If you or your loved one was prescribed Subsys for an off-label use and sustained an injury because of it, we want to hear from you. Please call 803-327-7800 or fill out our contact form to learn more.
Randy is the former President of the South Carolina Association for Justice. He has been certified by the American Board of Professional Liability as a specialist in Medical Malpractice Law which is recognized by the South Carolina Bar. Randy has also been awarded the distinction of being a “Super Lawyer” 10 times in the last decade. He has over 25 years of experience helping injured people fight back against corporations, hospitals and wrong-doers.
Read more about S. Randall Hood