Takeda to Pay $13.6 Million to Resolve DOJ Claims of Doctor Kickbacks for Antidepressant Trintellix

Takeda Pharmaceuticals has agreed to pay $13.6 million to settle federal allegations that it provided illegal kickbacks to physicians to encourage prescriptions of its antidepressant, Trintellix. The Department of Justice said the settlement resolves claims that the company’s actions caused false Medicaid claims.

According to the DOJ, between January 2014 and October 2020 Takeda offered speaking fees and funded meals at upscale restaurants for doctors. The program targeted physicians who attended multiple sessions on the same topic, often receiving compensation without any genuine educational benefit.

U.S. Attorney Eric Grant emphasized that the agreement reflects a continued focus on protecting patients’ interests and ensuring prescribing decisions are based on medical need rather than financial incentives.