Amgen Reaches Settlement Agreement To Resolve Allegations Related To Patient Assistance Programs

April 25, 2019

Amgen has reached a settlement agreement with the federal government to resolve civil claims relating to certain financial donations made by the Company to certain independent charity patient assistance foundations prior to 2017. Under the agreement, Amgen will pay $24.75 million to the government to resolve these claims.

Amgen is among a number of companies that previously disclosed receiving subpoenas in connection with a government inquiry related to organizations that provide financial assistance to Medicare patients. The conduct covered by Amgen’s settlement involves allegations by the government that Amgen’s donations to independent charitable organizations that provide patients with financial assistance to access their medicines did not comply with federal law.  Amgen does not agree with the government’s view of the relevant facts or that its conduct was inappropriate; accordingly, the settlement does not contain or constitute an admission of liability. 

As part of the settlement, Amgen has also entered into a Corporate Integrity Agreement with the Office of Inspector General (OIG) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). The Corporate Integrity Agreement sets certain requirements for Amgen, most of which have already been incorporated into our existing compliance program. Amgen takes compliance very seriously, and regularly enhances its compliance program to help ensure its controls meet or exceed the complex and evolving legal, regulatory and industry requirements, as well as the expectations of patients and providers.

This settlement reflects Amgen’s desire to put this legal matter behind it and focus on the needs of patients. The Company believes all individuals deserve access to medicines prescribed by their physicians. Donations to independent charitable organizations can provide significant assistance to patients with their copayments for prescriptions, and Amgen continues to believe these programs help patients lead healthier lives. As an element of Amgen’s efforts to help ensure patients have access to critical medicines, Amgen continues to donate to independent charity patient assistance programs.