AUSTIN, TEXAS: Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has initiated legal action against pharmaceutical giants Pfizer and Tris Pharma, alleging fraud in the distribution of attention deficit disorder medications to underprivileged children in Texas.
Paxton asserts that Pfizer knowingly provided defective medications to the children, covered by Texas Medicaid, endangering their health and defrauding the state, as per New York Post.
Ken Paxton's lawsuit claims Pfizer distributed defective drug Quillivant
The lawsuit claims that Pfizer distributed Quillivant, a potent pediatric ADHD drug, despite being aware of its adulterated nature due to deficient manufacturing practices.
Despite repeated failures in quality control tests, the drug was allegedly provided to children covered under Medicaid.
Complaints from patients' families regarding the drug's inefficacy were met with alleged manipulation of testing by Pfizer and Tris to conceal manufacturing issues.
As per Paxton's statement, this concealment and failure to address the problems with Quillivant were aimed at securing taxpayer-funded benefits through Texas Medicaid, resulting in the administration of an "adulterated Schedule II Controlled Dangerous Substance" to thousands of Texas children.
Ken Paxton’s legal pursuit extends to Tris Pharma and its CEO Ketan Mehta
Paxton’s legal pursuit extends to Tris Pharma and its CEO Ketan Mehta, accusing them of exaggerating the effectiveness of another ADHD drug, Dyanavel, and deceiving Medicaid doctors in Texas.
The lawsuit alleges that Tris instructed its sales representatives to deliver misleading messages about Dyanavel's efficacy, misinforming doctors about its advantages over other drugs for pediatric patients.
Expressing strong condemnation, Paxton stated, "Pharmaceutical companies who violate the public’s trust and hurt the people of Texas will be brought to justice to the fullest extent of the law." The lawsuits, unsealed recently, demand damages exceeding $1 million, fines, and the return of all Medicaid funds.
Internet applauds Ken Paxton for standing up to pharmaceutical companies
Despite Pfizer's initial response blaming caregivers for the medication's alleged inefficacy, the Internet resonated with support for Paxton's actions against the pharmaceutical giant.
Social media users hailed the move, expressing their support for holding Pfizer accountable.
"Pfizer must be held accountable to the fullest extent of the law. No exceptions!" exclaimed one user on X. Another echoed similar sentiments, stating, "Time for some accountability!"
The online community praised Paxton for taking a stand against pharmaceutical companies, with one user highlighting, "It's very welcoming to see a reaction like this from a political figure! So many remain silent.... as if they are all stockholders?"
Adding to the chorus of support, another user exclaimed, "Texas seems to be the only one standing up to the pharmaceutical companies." And a user succinctly expressed their support, saying, "Love K Pax."
