How Botox Battles Compliance Wrinkles

In September, Allergan, the $4.5 billion pharmaceutical company that makes items ranging from medical devices to pharmaceutical products, resolved federal charges that it marketed its blockbuster product-Botox-for unapproved conditions.

Allergan denied some of the allegations, such as those suggesting that its actions resulted in healthcare providers submitting fraudulent claims to Medicare and Medicaid. The company pleaded guilty to one charge and agreed to pay $600 million in fines, fees and profit forfeitures.

Writing a check, even one for $600 million, is simple compared to meeting the company's new compliance burdens. But Allergan CIO Sue-Jean Lin says they're ready for the challenge, because in 2008 Allergan began to revamp its compliance systems, bringing in business process management software from Metastorm.

In September, Allergan, the $4.5 billion pharmaceutical company that makes items ranging from medical devices to pharmaceutical products, resolved federal charges that it marketed its blockbuster product-Botox-for unapproved conditions.

Allergan denied some of the allegations, such as those suggesting that its actions resulted in healthcare providers submitting fraudulent claims to Medicare and Medicaid. The company pleaded guilty to one charge and agreed to pay $600 million in fines, fees and profit forfeitures.

Writing a check, even one for $600 million, is simple compared to meeting the company's new compliance burdens. But Allergan CIO Sue-Jean Lin says they're ready for the challenge, because in 2008 Allergan began to revamp its compliance systems, bringing in business process management software from Metastorm.

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