NASHVILLE DIVISION 11 GURSHEEL S. DHll..LON (Relator) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) 8-11 0098 On behalf of the United States of America, and all Health Related plans that purchased Lidoderm and any cash payers, Civil Case No .._____ _ FILED UNDER SEAL vs JURY TRIAL p: ff J tf) DEMANDED u H t\,, ;_, 1J
ENDO PHARMACEUTICALS QUI TAM COMPLAINT REALTOR, Gursheel S. Dhillon, M.D. prose, brings this qui tam action in t the United States Government, all health related plans in the fifty United States that purchased the product Lidoderm, and all cash paying consumers in the fifty states that constitute the United States of America. SUMMARY INTRODUCTION 1. This is an action by qui tam Relator on behalf of the United States of America, all health related plans and any cash paying customers to recover penalties and damages arising from false and misleading statements made by Endo Pharmaceuticals regarding product use of Lidoderm, for use other than Post Herpetic Neuralgia ("PHN"), in an effort to obtain federal and state monies pursuant to Medicare, Medicaid, and other private health benefits plans. Relator obtained knowledge, as a private health care provider, directly observed such misstatements made by Endo Pharmaceuticals Representatives, their guest speakers and a corporate culture of making claims that gave rise to an over prescription Page 1 of 11 Case 3:11-cv-00098 *SEALED* Document 1 Filed 02/03/11 Page 1 of 11 PageiD 1 y Case 2:11-cv-07767-RK Document 1 Filed 12/21/11 Page 1 of 11 of this medication. These representatives also discouraged use of other medications that were approved for "certain" conditions, and a scared physician into prescribing Lidoderm for other uses other than Post Herpetic Neuralgia. The Representatives described training seminars where speakers routinely described other than approved uses for a large portion of their presentations. The Representatives also detailed physicians that due to increasing regulatory oversight of "Scheduled Medications for pain" their product provided equivalent therapy after third day of use. The Relator would also state that the corporation knew and had knowledge that the number of prescriptions was far and above the number of cases of Post Herpetic Neuralgia (PHN), and routinely rewarded its representatives with trips and gifts, and encouraged dinner meetings with company provided speakers, that encouraged use of Lidoderm for uses such as Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, arthritic knee pain, back and neck pain. 2. Relator would also show that in response to subpoenas by the Office of Inspector General (OIG), the company began an internal investigation to "evaluate the companies risk of promotion for 'off-label use' of Lidoderm, and met with representatives of the law frrm of Arnold and Porter in Pennsylvania, and fired employees that testified truthfully, confiscated computers, and other literature, all business cards and other materials such as clinical studies which Relator would state was to hide and impede investigations, and have not resulted in any actions by the government. Although the company states it has "responded to the subpoenas", and states it is co-operating with the governments investigations. Relator would state that action to fire employees because of the statements they made is a contradiction to the company's actions and he is afraid that the company seeks to delay investigations to delay statues for time limits to seek recovery of funds due or destroy evidence or eliminate witnesses, under the false pretense of Page 2 of 11 Case 3:11-cv-00098 *SEALED* Document 1 Filed 02/03/11 Page 2 of 11 PageiD 2 Case 2:11-cv-07767-RK Document 1 Filed 12/21/11 Page 2 of 11 downsizing or other causes, which bears close temporal proximity to their testimony. PARTIES 3. Relator Gursheel Dhillon is a citizen of the State of Tennessee. 4. Defendant, Endo Pharmaceuticals is a foreign corporation and has been registered to do business in the State of Tennessee. The State records show Endo Phannaceutical's to be active and registered to do business since 09/23/1997 (Control ID 000338056). Its principal office is at Chad's Forth Pennsylvania. It routinely conducts business in Tennessee and accepts correspondence at several addresses . .IURIDSTICTION AND VENUE 5. This action arises under the False Claims Act, 31 U.S.C. 33729 et seq. This court maintains subject matter jurisdiction over the action pursuant to 31 U.S.C. 3372 (a) (False Claims Act) and 28 U.S.C. 133l(Federal Question). 6. Venue is proper in this court pursuant to 31 U.S.C. 37372(a) because Endo Pharmaceuticals("EP"), (i) conducts business in this district and did at all times relevant to this complaint and as averred below, (iii) committed acts proscribed by 28 U.S.C.3729, such acts giving rise to this action-within this district. 7. Before filing this complaint the Relator did serve a copy of the complaint upon the United States Department of Justice, Office of the United States Attorney with the name of a witness and other information contained herein pursuant to the requirements of 31 u.s.c. 3730(b)(2). 8. Relator has to the best of his ability complied with all other conditions precedent to bringing this action. Page 3 ofll Case 3:11-cv-00098 *SEALED* Document 1 Filed 02/03/11 Page 3 of 11 PageiD 3 Case 2:11-cv-07767-RK Document 1 Filed 12/21/11 Page 3 of 11 9. Relator is the original source of, and has direct and independent knowledge of all publicly disclosed information on which any allegations here might deemed be based, and has voluntarily provided such information to the U. S. Government contemporaneously with filing this action. 10. Only the following evidence was reviewed and available on the internet by Relator prior to the filing of this complaint. Anonymous PostS: nta. Affairs Activity Report 1/11 it .. funny we haven't heard squat out of the government affairs folks since they fcheated us out of our money @ the 2010 NSM when old man Holvek and the PRRMA Pres did their dog and pony show over a little wine, cheese and crackers. How stupid those of us: bought into they're lies were and a TOTAL WASTE OF OUR MONEY. What did we get out :of it???? Endo using our $$$ along with the company bank account to pay homage to: Obamacare. We were sold a false bill of goods that night and I'm starting this thread In ihopes to ask all of you who read my thread to spread the word NOT to fall into this trap .again next month when we're all in Vegas sipping on more wine, etc., etc. Never again will I contribute to PAC with this pharma company or any other. Look how well PAC has saved the 'so,OOO+ reps who Pharmaceutical Rep magazine reported lost their jobs in 2010. Did you (see government affairs keeping us updated on how we were fighting Obamacare last spring?, Hell no, cause Endo rolled over and took it up the rear side from Obama and his rulers. Please, please do not waste your money on Endo PAC again this year. Take what you spent on that BS in 2010 and go gambling instead cause it's no worse than throwing your money ,away to a so called organization that does not have our best interest at heart. I call total BS: on .Encjo spread the word. before the NSM!!! Th(3F1kS ...... . Risks related to our business We may incur significant liability if it is determined that we are promoting or have in the past promoted the "off- label" use of drugs. Companies may not promote drugs for "off-label" uses-that is, uses that are not described in the product's labeling and that differ from those approved by the FDA. Under what is known as the ''practice of medicine," physicians and other healthcare practitioners may prescribe drug products for off-label or unapproved uses, and such uses are common across some medical specialties. Although the FDA does not regulate a physician's choice of medications or treatments, the Federal Food, Dn1g and Cosmetic Act ("FFDCA") and FDA regulations significantly restrict permissible communications on the subject of off-label uses of drug products by pharmaceutical companies. The FDA, the Office of Inspector General of the Department of Health and Human Services ("OIG"), and the Department of Justice ("DOJ") actively enforce laws and regulations that prohibit the promotion of off-label uses. A company that is found to have improperly promoted off-label uses may be subject to significant liability, including civil fines, criminal fines and penalties, civil damages and exclusion from federal funded healthcare programs such as Medicare and Medicaid. Conduct giving rise to such liability could also form the basis for private civil litigation by third-party payors or other persons allegedly harmed by such conduct. Notwithstanding the regulatory restrictions on off-label promotion, the FDA's regulations and judicial caselaw allow companies to engage in some forms of truthful, non-misleading, and non-promotional speech concerning their Page 4of 11 . - - .. Case 3: 11-cv-00098 *SEALED* Document 1 Filed 02/03/11 Page 4 of 11 PageiD 4 Case 2:11-cv-07767-RK Document 1 Filed 12/21/11 Page 4 of 11 products. The Company has endeavored to establish programs in order to instruct employees on complying with the relevant advertJsmg .legal re_qmrements. th.e FDA, OIG or the DOJ may take the position that the Company IS not m comphance w1th such reqUirements, and, 1f such non-compliance is proven, we may be subject to significant liability, including administrative, civil and criminal penalties and fines. In addition, management's attention could be diverted from our business operations and our reputation could be damaged. In January 2007, we received a subpoena issued by the OIG. The subpoena requests documents relating to Lidoderm (lidocaine patch 5%) focused primarily on the sale, marketing and promotion of Lidoderm"'. We are cooperating with the government. At this time, we cannot predict or determine the of government's investigation or reasonably estimate the amount or range of amounts of fines or penalt1es that m1ght result from a settlement or an adverse outcome. However, should the government choose to initiate action against us, we could face substantial penalties, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows. We may incur liability if our continuing medical or health education programs and/or product promotions are determined, or are perceived, to be inconsistent with regulatory guidelines. The FDA regulations and the Anti-Kickback Statutes provide guidelines with respect to the type and scope of appropriate product promotion and continuing medical and health education activities. Although we endeavor to follow these regulations, should it be determined that we have not appropriately followed the guidelines, the government may initiate an action against us which may result in significant liability, including administrative, civil and criminal sanctions. Such penalties could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows. In addition, management's attention could be diverted and our reputation could be damaged. ' Our reporting and payment obligations under the Medicaid rebate program and other governmental pricing programs are complex and may involve subjective decisions. Any failure to comply with those obligations could subject us to penalties and sanctions. We are subject to various federal and state laws pertaining to healthcare fraud and abuse, including prohibitions on the offer of payment or acceptance of kickbacks or other remuneration in return for the purchase-of our products. Sanctions for violating these laws include criminal penalties and civil sanctions and possible exclusion from the Medicare, Medicaid, and other government healthcare programs. There can be no assurance that our practices will not be challenged under these laws in the future or that such a challenge would not have a material adverse effect on our business or results of operations. We also are subject to federal and state laws prohibiting the presentation (or the causing to be presented) of claims for payment (by Medicare, Medicaid, or other third-party payers) that are determined to be false, fraudulent, or for an item or service that was not provided as claimed. These false claims statutes include the Federal Civil False Claims Act and the Federal Criminal False Claims Act, the former of which permits private persons to bring suit in the name of the government alleging false or fraudulent claims presented to or paid by the government (or other violations of the statutes) and to share in any amounts paid by the entity to the government in fines or settlement. Such suits, known as qui tam actions, have increased significantly in the healthcare industry in recent years. These actions against healthcare companies may result in payment of fines or exclusion from the Medicare, Medicaid, and/or other government healthcare programs. We and other pharmaceutical companies are defendants in a number of lawsuits filed by local and state government entities, alleging generally that we and numerous other pharmaceutical companies reported false pricing information in connection with certain drugs that are reimbursable under Medicaid. We intend to defend these lawsuits vigorously. Depending on developments in the litigation however, as with all litigation, there is a possibility that we will suffer adverse decisions or verdicts of substantial amounts, or that we will enter into monetary settlements in one or more of these actions as we recently did with a number of New York counties. See "Legal proceedings" in Note 12 of our unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial statements incorporated by reference in this offering memorandum and the section entitled "Business-Legal proceedings" included in this offering memorandum. Any unfavorable outcomes as a result of such litigation could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations cash flows. Government regulations regarding reporting and payment obligations are complex and we are continually evaluating the methods we use to calculate and report the amounts owed with respect to Medicaid and other government Page 5 of II Case 3: 11-cv-00098 *SEALED* Document 1 Filed 02/03/11 Page 5 of 11 PageiD 5 Case 2:11-cv-07767-RK Document 1 Filed 12/21/11 Page 5 of 11 _,:1 pricing programs. Our calculations are s u j e ~ t to review and .chall:nge by. various government agencies and authorities and it is possible that any such review could result either m matenal changes to the method used for calculating the amounts owed to the pertinent government agency (or agencies), or to the amounts themselves. In addition, because our processes for these calculations and our judgments supporting these calculations involve, and will continue to involve, subjective decisions, these calculations are subject to the risk of errors. As noted above, any governmental agency that commences an action, if successful, could impose, based on a claim of violation of fraud and false claims laws or otherwise, civil and/or criminal sanctions, including fines, penalties and possible exclusion from federal healthcare programs (including Medicaid and Medicare). Some of the applicable laws impose liability even in the absence of specific intent to defraud. Furthermore, should there be ambiguity with regard to how to properly calculate and report payments-and even in the absence of such ambiguity-a governmental authority may take a position contrary to a position we have taken, and may impose civil and/or criminal sanctions. Any such penalties or sanctions could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial position, results of operations and cash flows, and could cause the market value of our common stock to decline. New and proposed federal and state laws and regulatory initiatives relating to various initiatives in healthcare reform (such as improving privacy and the security of patient information and combating healthcare fraud) could require us to expend substantial sums to appropriately respond to and comply with this broad variety of legislation (such as acquiring and implementing new information systems for privacy and security protection), which could negatively impact our business, results of operations, financial condition and cash flows. Recent legislation and several regulatory initiatives at the state and federal levels address patient privacy concerns. New federal legislation extensively regulates the use and disclosure of individually identifiable health-related information and the security and standardization of electronically maintained or transmitted health-related information. We do not yet know the total financial or other impact of these regulations on us. Continuing compliance with these regulations will likely require us to spend substantial sums, including, but not limited to, purchasing new computer systems, which could negatively impact financial results. Additionally, if we fail to comply with the privacy laws and regulations, we could suffer civil penalties of up to $I ,500,000 per calendar year for violations of an identical standard and criminal penalties of up to $250,000 and I 0 years in prison for offenses committed with the intent to sell, transfer, or use individually identifiable health information for commercial advantage, personal gain or malicious harm. In addition. healthcare providers will continue to remain subject to any state laws that are more restrictive than the federal privacy regulations. These privacy laws vary by state and could impose additional penalties. The provisions of HIPAA criminalize situations that previously were handled exclusively civilly through repayments of overpayments, offsets and fines by creating new federal healthcare fraud crimes. Further, as with the federal laws, general state criminal laws may be used to prosecute healthcare fraud and abuse. We believe that our business arrangements and practices comply with existing healthcare fraud law. However, a violation could subject us to penalties, fines and/or possible exclusion from Medicare or Medicaid. Such sanctions could significantly reduce our financial results. Future healthcare legislation or other changes in the administration of or interpretation of existing legislation regarding governmental healthcare programs could have an adverse effect on our business and the results of our operations. Read more: http://www.fags.org/sec-filings/JOII19/ENDO-PHARMACEUTICALS-HOLDINGS-INC 8- K/dex99l.htm#ixzz1Ck2CRX9V 8th Annual Pharmaceutical Compliance Congress - The Center for ... He has more than fifteen years of experience in investigations and compliance in the ... U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (OIG) in Washington, DC .... David P. Holveck, President and Chief Executive Officer, Endo Pharmaceuticals ... 11: 10 Key Insights and Lessons Learned Operating Under a Corporate ... www.cbinet.com/show_conference.cfrn?confCode=PCIIOOl&f... -Similar Page 6of 11 Case 3: 11-cv-00098 *SEALED* Document 1 Filed 02/03/11 Page 6 of 11 PageiD 6 Case 2:11-cv-07767-RK Document 1 Filed 12/21/11 Page 6 of 11 11. It is believed by Relator that Sevrin Anderson, of Williamson County may have additional information and a letter which are highly supportive of these allegations. FACTUAL ALLEGATIONS 1. ENDO PHARMACEUTICALS ("EP") is the manufacturer and seller of Lidoderm patches that have been approved by the FDA for the treatment of neuropathic pain, associated with residual pain due to Herpes Zoster outbreaks which causes severe pain, known as Post Herpetic Neuralgia (PHN). 2. The Number of Lidoderm prescriptions far exceeds the number of PHN patients who may use other methods of pain control or other treatment options. The number of Lidoderm prescriptions that were prescribed far exceeds the number of patients with PHN in the United States, estimated at 500,000 yearly. 3. Lidoderm contributes to approximately two thirds of the company's revenue. 4. The sales goals set by EP for their pharmaceutical representatives was far above the actual and potential number of PHN cases and this was widely known throughout the company and was routinely discussed by management and sales personnel. It is also widely known that there are many alternative methods for the treatment of PHN and no single treatment ever gets 100 percent of the patients since many alternative therapies are available. 5. EP managers and regional managers met quarterly with their pharmaceutical sales force and knew the methods that were being utilized to sell Lidoderm patches. 6. EP sales personnel were encouraged to criticize PHN alternative treatment options, and used scare tactics regarding increased regulatory oversight of narcotic medication to encourage Lidoderm use for almost any conceivable disease associated with pain. Page 7 of 11 Case 3:11-cv-00098 *SEALED* Document 1 Filed 02/03/11 Page 7 of 11 PageiD 7 Case 2:11-cv-07767-RK Document 1 Filed 12/21/11 Page 7 of 11 7. EP sales representatives that met or exceeded their goals which were grossly out of proportion of the number of actual and potential PHN cases were rewarded and their future goals were increased. 8. EP sales people who did not meet their Lidoderm set goals were not given bonuses. 9. As a result of these deceptive trade practices, and false claims EP was unjustly enriched by obtaining proceeds of sales from Medicare, Medicaid, other health benefit providers and private payers throughout the United States through prescription reimbursement payments when the patches did not alleviate or help patients with pain not occasioned by PHN. I 0. EP sales people were instructed that the patches had to be applied consistently for three days and either patient or physician error was responsible if the patient did not obtain any relief. Because EP engaged program speakers in training and inspiring their sales personnel to advocate the use of Lidoderm for conditions other than PHN, the persuasive corporate culture of deception and marketing for "Off Label Use" was rampant and palpable throughout the organization. 11. Relator has been informed that "Off Label Use" was a persuasive culture at EP and encouraged by EP and its management, particularly and specifically at numerous training sessions EP held and required its sales people to attend. 12. EP had knowledge that the number of Lidoderm prescriptions was ''way out" of proportion to the number of actual and potential PHN patients and by the companies own account the product Lidoderm was only used for PHN in ten percent of the prescriptions filled for the product. 13. The Relator is a physician in Tennessee and learned of such information first hand. Case 3:11-cv-00098 *SEALED* Document 1 Filed 02/03/11 Page 8 of 11 PageiD 8 Page 8 of 11 Case 2:11-cv-07767-RK Document 1 Filed 12/21/11 Page 8 of 11 .,i !; --- 14. It is believed that EP has engaged in an internal method of possibly eliminating evidences, and denying access to witnesses and failing to completely comply with the OIG summons issued to it. 15. The United Sates and no other entity has to date filed any charges, has not filed any lawsuits in an attempt to recover such funds or fines in this matter and is asked to join Relator in the complaint as set forth. WHEREFORE RELATOR, Gursheel S. Dhillon, M.D., on behalf of himself, the United States Government, and all state governments, all health benefit payers, and cash paying and any or other privately or municipally insured payers that purchased or used Lidoderm prays; (I) That this Court enter a judgment against Defendant Endo Pharmaceuticals for three times the amount of damages experienced by the United States Government, all health prescription benefits providers, and cash payers that purchased Lidoderm for other uses other than PHN as a result of Defendants violations ofthe False Claims Act; (2) That this Court enters a judgment against defendant for a civil penalty of $10,000 for each of Defendants False Claim Act violations; (3) That Relator Gursheel S. Dhillon recovers all costs of this action, with interest including the cost to the United States Government for its actions related to this action; (4) That in the event Relator Gursheel S. Dhillon retains attorney Relator be awarded all reasonable attorney fees in bringing this action; (5) That in the event the United States Government or other plaintiffs included proceeds with this action Relator Gursheel S. Dhillon be awarded an amount of twenty five percent of the proceeds in the action; (6) That in the event the United States or any other plaintiff proceeds with this action, Relator Gursheel S. Dhillon be awarded an amount of at least 25% but not more than 30% of the proceeds of the action; Page 9 of 11 Case 3:11-cv-00098 *SEALED* Document 1 Filed 02/03/11 Page 9 of 11 PageiD 9 Case 2:11-cv-07767-RK Document 1 Filed 12/21/11 Page 9 of 11 .:!. ..j (7) That Relator, Gursheel S. Dhillon be awarded prejudgment interest; (8) That a trial by jury be held in all issues so triable; (9) That Relator. Gursheel S. Dhillon, or any of the aforementioned parties or the United States Government, or other Health Benefit Providers or purchasers of Lidoderm using other payment methods may be allowed further amendments of the complaint as necessary to perfect such claim; (10) That Relator, Gursheel Dhillon and the United States of America receive all relief to which either or both may be entitled at law or equity. ursheel S. Dhillon, M.D. Prose Estill Springs, TN 37330 Page lOofll Case 3:11-cv-00098 *SEALED* Document 1 Filed 02/03/11 Page 10 of 11 PageiD 10 Case 2:11-cv-07767-RK Document 1 Filed 12/21/11 Page 10 of 11 . :: ' --... . 1;. CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE I, Gursheel S. Dhillon, M.D., certify that a true and exact copy of this complaint was filed with the United State Department of Justice, in Nashville, Tennessee at the U. S. Federal District Court House. A copy of this complaint has been filed with the Clerk of the United States District Court for the Middle District of Tennessee, Nashville Division to be held for sixty (60) days to allow the United States Government through the office of the United States Attorney to proceed with Relator. ursheel S. Dhillon, M.D. Prose 112 Plainview Drive Estill Springs, TN 37330 Page 11 of II Case 3:11-cv-00098 *SEALED* Document 1 Filed 02/03/11 Page 11 of 11 PageiD 11 Case 2:11-cv-07767-RK Document 1 Filed 12/21/11 Page 11 of 11
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