Abbott Laboratories is nearing a settlement with the U.S. regarding a false claims suit over alleged off-label marketing of Depakote, an epilepsy drug approved for the treatment of migraines, seizures, and acute manic episodes in bipolar patients.

Whistleblowers have claimed that the company instead marketed Depakote for disorders such as aggression in dementia patients, autism and sexual compulsion. Though doctors are allowed to prescribe a drug for off-label uses as long as it is approved by the FDA for another ailment, drug companies cannot market a drug for unapproved uses.

More than 25 states have pursued litigation against Abbot Laboratories regarding improper marketing of Depakote. After joining the suit in February, the U.S. has asked the judge overseeing the case to postpone a May 31 deadline for the filing of an amended complaint in order to allow further settlement discussions.

Read the entire article, “Abbott in Settlement Talks on Depakote Marketing, U.S. Says”