Drug Company Pays $26.7 Million to Settle Two Lawsuits

Novo Nordisk Inc. settled two lawsuits on Friday, agreeing to pay more than $25 million to settle lawsuits that accused the pharmaceutical manufacturer of illegally promoting a bleeding disorder medication and paying pharmacists kickbacks to endorse its diabetes drugs.

In a settlement with the Department of Justice, the Danish drug maker will pay $25 million to resolve allegations of improperly marketing its hemostasis management drug, NovoSeven, resulting in false Medicare and Medicaid claims. Novo Nordisk was accused of promoting NovoSeven for unapproved conditions, a practice known as "off label" uses.