WARSAW, Ind., Sept. 27 /PRNewswire/ -- As part of an industry-wide
settlement affecting the five major orthopaedics manufacturers, DePuy
Orthopaedics, Inc. has entered into an agreement with the United States
Attorney's Office that resolves a previously reported government
investigation into sales practices in the orthopaedics industry. Terms of
the agreement were announced today by the U.S. Attorney's Office, District
of New Jersey.
The agreement contains no admission of fault or wrongdoing by DePuy
Orthopaedics. Further, the government makes no claim that patient care was
impacted by any of the sales practices that were the subject of the
investigation.
The agreement signed by DePuy Orthopaedics and the U.S. Attorney's
Office notes that the company had "undertaken extensive actions and reforms
in furtherance of its commitment to exemplary corporate citizenship" and
"voluntarily exhibited a commitment to the continual refinement and
improvement of its policies and procedures" with regard to relationships
with surgeon consultants.
Surgeon consultants are important sources of innovation for medical
technology manufacturers, and they are integral to the training of peers on
the use of new technology.
Even before the investigation was announced, DePuy Orthopaedics had
implemented processes for the framework and disclosure of relationships
with physicians, and supports this agreement and the government's efforts
to further positive change throughout the industry.
The terms of the DePuy Orthopaedics agreement call for a deferral of
all criminal charges for a period of 18 months, during which an external
monitor will be assigned to DePuy Orthopaedics. DePuy Orthopaedics will
also pay $84.7 million and will enter into a Corporate Integrity Agreement
for a period of five years.
DePuy Orthopaedics believes that the collaboration between government
and industry will result in greater transparency in relationships between
industry and surgeon consultants. DePuy Orthopaedics will work closely with
the external monitor and the government to advance processes that bring
greater clarity to the marketplace for the benefit of customers and
patients.
SOURCE DePuy Orthopaedics, Inc.
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Related links:
http://www.jnj.com
http://www.prnewswire.com/comp/467347.html/
CONTACT:
Sarah Colamarino of DePuy Orthopaedics, Inc.,
+1-732-524-6259, or cell, +1-215-805-6948
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