Attorney General Becerra, 49 Other Attorneys General Announce $13.5 Million Settlement with Pharmaceutical Company Boehringer Ingelheim

California to receive $857,000 

SACRAMENTO – California Attorney General Xavier Becerra today announced a $13.5 million multistate settlement with pharmaceutical company Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (BIPI) for its deceptive and misleading representation and off-label marketing of its prescription drugs. California will receive $857,000. The settlement resolves allegations that BIPI misled the public about the uses and efficacy of prescription drugs, including Micardis, Aggrenox, Atrovent, and Combivent.

The settlement comes after a multistate investigation found that BIPI engaged in deceptive practices. BIPI represented that its prescription drugs had sponsorship, approval, characteristics, ingredients, uses and benefits that they did not have. For example, BIPI engaged in off-label marketing and promoted its drugs to treat life-threatening conditions, such as heart attacks, congestive heart failure, and strokes, without evidence to substantiate their claims.

"It is unacceptable for any drug company to put profits over patient health,” said Attorney General Becerra. "Everyone deserves to have accurate and medically-sound information about the medicines they are prescribed. This settlement serves as a reminder that using deceptive and unlawful tactics to promote drugs is not acceptable.”

The settlement agreement requires BIPI to ensure that its marketing and promotional practices do not unlawfully promote these prescription drug products. In addition, BIPI is required to ensure clinically relevant information is provided in an unbiased manner that is distinct from promotional materials.