STAT+: Takeda will pay $13.6 million to settle allegations it paid kickbacks to doctors

Takeda Pharmaceuticals will pay $13.6 million to settle allegations of paying kickbacks to doctors to prescribe an antidepressant, violating federal law and causing Medicaid to pay false claims. The alleged kickbacks included speaking fees and paid meals at high-end restaurants from January 2014 to October 2020. Takeda's settlement demonstrates the US Department of Justice's commitment to ensuring patients' best interests.