HEALTH
From Times Staff and Wire Reports
Miles Inc. Reportedly Under Investigation: The Pittsburgh-based pharmaceutical company is being investigated for a now-halted program that paid pharmacists to steer patients to Adalat CC, Miles’ medication for high blood pressure, the Wall Street Journal reported this week. A federal anti-kickback law forbids any person or company from offering cash or in-kind payment to get business under Medicare or Medicaid, two federal health care programs. In a statement, Miles said it is involved in confidential talks with the government over the program, which it called “lawful and constructive.” Under the program, Miles paid drugstores $35 if a customer switched to its drug from Procardia Xl, sold by Pfizer Inc.
