Abbott announced in a regulatory filing that the US Department of Justice is investigating the company over sales and marketing activities for Depakote (divalproex). The federal prosecutors are attempting to determine if certain practices "violated civil and/or criminal laws...in connection with Medicare and/or Medicaid reimbursement to third parties."

A spokesperson for the drugmaker, Adelle Infante, stated that Abbott is cooperating with the investigation, which is being handled by the US Attorney for the Western District of Virginia.

Sales of the anti-seizure, bipolar disorder and migraine drug were down 70 percent to $324 million in the first nine months of 2009, versus the comparable period last year, due to generic competition.

> The pharmaceutical industry and social media -- who leads, and who follows? Pharma and Social Media: The Leaders and Followers - click here to find out more

Reference Articles

Abbott faces US probe over marketing of Depakote - (Bloomberg)

Abbott Labs: US Justice Department probing Depakote marketing - (CNN)

Abbott under kickback probe over Depakote sales - (Chicago Tribune)

Abbott faces new US sales probe, Depakote in focus - (Forbes)