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Gilead Sciences agrees to pay $202 million to settle claims of kickbacks to doctors for HIV drug prescriptions
GILDGilead(GILD) CNBC·2025-04-29 17:45

Core Points - Gilead Sciences has agreed to pay 202milliontosettleclaimsofusingspeakerprogramstoprovidekickbackstodoctorsforprescribingitsHIVmedications[1][2]Thefundswerereportedlyusedforhonorariapayments,meals,andtravelexpensesfordoctorsparticipatingintheseprograms[1][3]TheU.S.AttorneysOfficestatedthatGileadunlawfullysoughttoincreasesalesofitsHIVdrugsthroughthesekickbacks[2][3]FinancialImplicationsGileadspenttensofmillionsofdollarsonthesespeakerprograms,includingover202 million to settle claims of using speaker programs to provide kickbacks to doctors for prescribing its HIV medications [1][2] - The funds were reportedly used for honoraria payments, meals, and travel expenses for doctors participating in these programs [1][3] - The U.S. Attorney's Office stated that Gilead unlawfully sought to increase sales of its HIV drugs through these kickbacks [2][3] Financial Implications - Gilead spent tens of millions of dollars on these speaker programs, including over 20 million specifically on speaking fees [3] - Additional costs included millions spent on meals, alcohol, and travel, all aimed at incentivizing doctors to prescribe Gilead's HIV drugs [3]