Biovail settles Cardizem prescriptions allegations for $24.6 million

ONTARIO, Canada Biovail Pharmaceuticals has agreed to pay the Department of Justice $24.6 million to settle allegations related to the launch of its blood pressure drug Cardizem, according to published reports. The company will plead guilty under the deal.

Biovail was under investigation over financial incentives paid to doctors who prescribed Cardizem to patients in 2003. The company was accused of offering doctors $1,000 to write 15 prescriptions for Cardizem. At the time, Biovail said the fees were compensation for the doctors' efforts in submitting data on their patients, needed for the full launch of the drug. It said it was common practice to compensate doctors for help with clinical research. But regulators and law enforcement officials launched inquiries which, ultimately, led to the settlement.

When the agreement becomes finalized in court, it will allow the company to continue doing business in the United States.