Michael Frey, MD, pled guilty in federal court to receiving kickbacks from a medical equipment supplier and pharmacy sales representative, according to a Nasdaq report.
Dr. Frey, who practiced at Fort Myers, Fla.-based Advanced Pain Management Specialists, admitted to receiving kickbacks from Insys Therapeutics for writing prescriptions for a fentanyl-based medication.
Here are four things to know:
1. According to the report, Dr. Frey agreed to cooperate with investigators to target other individuals in the case in exchange for the plea deal. He is also paying $2.8 million for a related civil settlement.
2. Insys allegedly paid physicians to prescribe Subsys, an under-the tongue spray containing fontanels for pain management. The kickbacks allegedly were given as "fees to participate in sham speaker programs ostensibly meant to educate medical professionals about the drug," according to the report.
3. Dr. Frey was also engaged in two other kickback schemes; in 2010 he began receiving kickbacks from A&G Spinal Solutions in exchange for referrals. He also reportedly received kickbacks to prescribe a compound pain cream from a pharmacy sales representative.
4. There have been several other criminal cases related to Subsys that have emerged over the past few years, including against physicians and former executives. The drug was approved for pain management among patients who already received opioid therapy in 2012.