Category: RICO

Ninth Circuit Endorses RICO Claims For Prescription Pharmaceutical Promotion

The Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO) was meant to help take down the Mafia.  For years, however, plaintiffs have attempted to contort it into a federal false advertising regime for prescription pharmaceuticals, complete with treble damages and attorney’s fees.  The Ninth Circuit recently gave plaintiffs a boost in that effort, permitting RICO claims to proceed against pharmaceutical companies based on allegedly improper labeling and promotion of their prescription medications. 

Patterson partner and Misbranded contributor Jonah Knobler recently critiqued the Ninth Circuit’s decision—and pharmaceutical RICO suits generally—at Drug and Device Law.  Check out that post here.