Connecticut will receive $1 million from a $71 million settlement between a California drug maker and 48 states, state Attorney General George Jepsen announced.
The nearly nationwide settlement with Amgen Inc. resolves allegations that the company unlawfully promoted two of its biologic drugs for off-label uses, despite evidence that they could cause increased risk of infection, tumor stimulation and death.
Attorneys general alleged that Amgen marketed Aranesp — which it no longer manufacturers — as a treatment for anemia caused by cancer, which was not approved by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration.
They also alleged that the company overstated the effectiveness of arthritis and plaque psoriasis drug Enbrel, and that it lacked evidence to support the drug’s use in treating mild psoriasis.
Jepsen said the $1 million will go to the state’s general fund.
