The FBI is seeking victims who may have been prescribed the fentanyl-based pain medication Subsys, a powerful narcotic intended to treat cancer patients suffering intense episodes of breakthrough pain, between March 2012 and December 2016.
On December 8, 2016, several pharmaceutical executives and managers formerly employed by Insys Therapeutics, Inc., were arrested on charges that they led a nationwide conspiracy to bribe medical practitioners in various states, many of whom operated pain clinics, to get them to prescribe Subsys. In exchange for bribes and kickbacks, the practitioners wrote large numbers of prescriptions for their patients, most of whom were not diagnosed with cancer.
The indictment also alleges that the now former corporate executives charged in the case conspired to mislead and defraud health insurance providers who were reluctant to approve payment for the drug when it was prescribed for non-cancer patients. To achieve this goal, it is alleged that the defendants set up a “reimbursement unit” which was dedicated to obtaining prior authorization directly from insurers and pharmacy benefit managers.
If you were prescribed Subsys during the time period listed above, please complete this brief questionnaire. Your responses are voluntary but would be useful in the federal investigation and to identify you as a potential victim. Based on the responses provided, you may be contacted by the FBI and asked to provide additional information.
The FBI is legally mandated to identify victims of federal crimes that it investigates and provide these victims with information, assistance services, and resources. Information obtained as a part of this investigation will be handled in accordance with medical privacy laws.
Questionnaire:
More information:
Resources:
- CDC Injury & Prevention Control
- Massachusetts Office for Victim Assistance
- Massachusetts Substance Abuse Information and Education Helpline 1-800-327-5050
