Senate asks Johnson & Johnson for information on payments to doctors

NEW YORK Investigations of drug and medical-device companies making payments to doctors have reached one of the largest drug makers in the country.

A Senate committee led by Iowa Republican Charles Grassley and Wisconsin Democrat Herb Kohl is investigating Johnson & Johnson’s support of professional groups for psychiatrists.

The Senate Committee on Finance sent J&J a letter requesting information about “any payments or benefits to a number of specified psychiatrists associated with psychiatric professional associations or otherwise authorities in their field” and financial ties to 24 psychiatrists.

J&J has said it is responding to the letter.