Koster reaches $1.3M judgment with drug company

Missouri Attorney General Chris Koster has secured $1.3 million in a national settlement with a California pharmaceutical company.

Amgen Inc. (Nasdaq: AMGN) agreed to pay 48 states $71 million to resolve allegations it illegally promoted two of its medications for off-label uses, according to a news release.

Complaints arose over Amgen’s Aranesp, which is used to treat certain types of anemia by causing bone marrow to create red blood cells, and Enbrel, which is designed to treat rheumatoid arthritis and other conditions.

Attorneys general claimed Amgen violated consumer protection laws by promoting Aranesp for longer dosing frequencies than approved by the Food and Drug Administration. The company also allegedly marketed Aranesp for anemia caused by cancer, a use not approved by the FDA, and Enbrel for uses not federally approved, according to the release.

“Pharmaceutical companies, such as Amgen, cannot make false marketing claims about the drugs they manufacture,” Koster said in the release. “Missouri consumers have a right to accurate information about products affecting their health.”

Under the terms of the settlement, Amgen is required to reform its marketing and promotional practices to avoid further unlawful missteps.