Federal grand jury to investigate Biovail’s Cardizem LA

TORONTO The U.S. Attorney’s Office in Boston has notified Biovail that it is the target of a federal grand jury investigation in connection to the launch of its hypertension and angina treatment drug Cardizem LA, according to published reports.

In July 2003, the company received a subpoena from the U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Massachusetts requesting information related to the promotional and marketing activities for the launch, according to a Securities and Exchange Commission filing in May.

In particular, the investigation relates to the Cardizem LA clinical experience program, titled P.L.A.C.E. (Proving L.A. through Clinical Experience). Biovail stated that this could lead to possible civil or criminal charges against the company.