Cracking Down on Counterfeit Drugs: Big Pharma's Battle Against Fraud
Federal investigators have uncovered a nationwide $230 million scheme to counterfeit prescription medications, particularly HIV drugs, in which pill bottles were altered and sold back to pharmacies at a significant discount. The operation, overseen by Lazaro Hernandez, involved altering bottles for popular HIV medications such as Biktarvy and Descovy, as well as other pharmaceuticals. The World Health Organization estimates that up to $431 billion worth of drugs are counterfeited worldwide annually. Gilead Sciences and Johnson & Johnson have filed lawsuits against defendants, including pharmacies and wholesale pharmaceutical distributors, accusing them of participating in the scheme. Drug diversion and counterfeiting pose a significant risk to patient safety, and authorities are investigating the extent of these criminal activities.