Bitter Pill To Swallow For Abbott Labs

Pharmaceutical manufacturer Abbott Laboratories has been sentenced in connection with its unlawful promotion of the prescription drug Depakote for uses not approved as safe or effective by federal regulators. In May 2012, Abbott pleaded guilty to a criminal misdemeanor for misbranding the drug in violation of the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act. According to the Altavista Journal, Abbott admitted the drug was marketed off-label to treat behavioral disturbances in dementia patients as well as to treat schizophrenia. Under the terms of the plea agreement, Abbott agreed to pay $500 million– the second-largest criminal fine for a single drug.