The pharmaceutical industry often has close ties with the federal government. Especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, these companies may receive significant federal funding to develop vaccines or drugs for distribution to the general public.
Sadly, these dispersals can lead to instances of fraud or misappropriation. This is especially prevalent when drug companies receive funding through Medicaid or Medicare. This behavior may be a violation of federal law.
If you have information about the actions of pharmaceutical makers that violate federal law, you can come forward as a whistleblower. A South Carolina pharmaceutical industry whistleblower lawyer could help you to develop your report to the government and to demand an appropriate reward for your information.
On the surface, it may appear that pharmaceutical companies are entirely private-funded entities. These companies have immense research and development departments that work towards developing new drugs around the clock.
The federal government plays a large role in maintaining the overall health of the nation. As such, it provides significant public funding to these companies for a variety of purposes.
A common example included the receipt of Medicare or Medicaid funds for the purposes of developing new products. The receipt of these funds obligates pharmaceutical companies to comply with rules compiled by the Food, Drug, and Cosmetics Act. Failure to comply with these rules is often a violation of federal law. A pharmaceutical industry whistleblower attorney in South Carolina might be able to provide people with more information concerning interactions with the federal government.
Many pharmaceutical companies file claims for payment from the federal government. Because of this, they have an obligation under the law to do so in good faith. Any intentional fraud or misconduct in this claims process violates federal law.
Specifically, the False Claims Act codified in 31 United States Code § 3729 says that it is against the law for any party to knowingly submit a false claim for payment. Typical examples in the pharmaceutical industry can include demanding payment for products not delivered or intentionally overstating product costs in a bid for a contract.
Regulatory agencies often rely on whistleblowers to report instances of fraud. 31 United States Code § 3730(c)(5) incentivizes parties to come forward with a potential reward. If a whistleblower provides information that leads to a conviction under the False Claims Act, they may submit a writ of Qui Tam demanding a reward. This reward can vary in value from 15 to 25 percent of the government’s recovered funds. A pharmaceutical industry whistleblower lawyer in South Carolina could assist individuals to file reports with the relevant regulatory agencies and to demand appropriate rewards.
The pharmaceutical industry often receives federal funding to perform research or to bring products to market. Because of this, these companies often submit claims to the government for payment. The False Claims Act prohibits the intentional submission of false claims or providing the government with false data.
If you believe that you have witnessed a violation of the law in the pharmaceutical industry, an attorney could help you to come forward as a whistleblower. A South Carolina pharmaceutical industry whistleblower lawyer is prepared to further investigate your case, submit reports to regulatory agencies, and stand by your side to seek out a fair reward through Qui Tam.
