STAT+: Takeda will pay $13.6 million to settle allegations it paid kickbacks to doctors

Takeda Pharmaceuticals has agreed to a $13.6 million settlement over allegations of paying kickbacks to doctors to promote its antidepressant, Trintellix. The U.S. Department of Justice stated that from January 2014 to October 2020, the company incentivized physicians with speaking fees and lavish meals, leading to violations of federal law and false claims to Medicaid. This case underscores the ongoing efforts to prioritize patient interests in healthcare practices.