Johnson and Johnson Earmarks Funds To Settle Risperdal Whistleblower Case

Johnson & Johnson has segregated moneys for a possible settlement with the U.S. government alleging violations of the Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act and the False Claims Act. J&J apparently marketed Risperdal for off label, non approved uses. Three former salespeople filed a whistleblower suit which said that J&J promoted Risperdal for conditions beyond schizophrenia, its approved use including conditions such as bipolar disorder and depression. Risperdal was J&J’s fourt biggest seller in 2008 and was its largest in 2007 when the patent expired. The drug generated sales of $3.4 billion in sales in 2008.