Texas Secures $41.5M Settlement from Pfizer and Tris Pharma Over Defective ADHD Medication
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The Texas attorney general's office has announced a $41.5 million settlement with pharmaceutical giants Pfizer and Tris Pharma over allegations of adulterated medication and Medicaid fraud. The settlement resolves a 2023 lawsuit that accused the companies of manipulating quality control tests for Quillivant XR, a liquid medication used to treat Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Between 2012 and 2018, tests showed that Quillivant XR frequently failed to dissolve properly in the body, rendering it ineffective. The medication was provided to children during this period, and the companies allegedly altered test results to secure Medicaid reimbursement. Although Pfizer and Tris Pharma deny any wrongdoing, the settlement marks a significant victory for Texas in its efforts to hold pharmaceutical companies accountable. 'Pfizer and Tris Pharma provided adulterated drugs to children for years and changed test results in order to obtain the benefit of taxpayer-funded Medicaid reimbursement,' said Attorney General Ken Paxton. Pfizer and Tris Pharma have released statements downplaying the significance of the issue, claiming that the defective medication did not impact patient safety. However, the settlement and lawsuit highlight the importance of ensuring the quality and efficacy of medications used to treat vulnerable populations, including children with ADHD. The lawsuit was sparked by a whistleblower complaint from Tarik Ahmed, the former technology chief of Tris Pharma, who worked at the company from 2013 to 2017. The case serves as a reminder of the need for transparency and accountability in the pharmaceutical industry.
