J&J pays $2 billion to settle Risperdal case

Johnson & Johnson, plus its subsidiaries Janssen and Scios, have finalized previously disclosed settlement agreements with the US Department of Justice and 45 states resolving federal investigations and state Medicaid claims related to past promotional practices of Risperdal from 1999 through 2005, and other matters. The total settlement comes to approximately $2 billion.

"Today we reached closure on complex legal matters spanning almost a decade. This resolution allows us to move forward and continue to focus on delivering innovative solutions that improve and enhance the health and well-being of patients around the world. We remain committed to working with the US Food and Drug Administration and others to ensure greater clarity around the guidance for pharmaceutical industry practices and standards."

Michael Ullmann, Vice President and General Counsel, Johnson & Johnson.

As part of the resolution, Janssen will plead guilty to a single misdemeanor violation of the Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act for past promotional practices of Risperdal (Risperidone), subject to approval by the US District Court. The agreement also resolves allegations related to the sales and marketing of schizophrenia drug, Invega (Paliperidone) and Natrecor (Nesiritide) by Scios Inc., as well as allegations related to Janssen's interactions with Omnicare, Inc.

Johnson & Johnson has cooperated with the government since the separate investigations began nearly a decade ago, and today's agreements resolve all related federal criminal and federal civil liabilities on these matters.