10/30/2009 - The New York Attorney General's office said 15 states allege that Amgen (NASDAQ:AMGN) encouraged medical providers to bill third parties, including Medicaid, for Aranesp, which was available to them at no cost. The lawsuit also claims that the company conspired to offer kickbacks to boost prescriptions of the drug. Sales of Aranesp have been falling for more than a year because of increased safety concerns and stricter safety warnings. Amgen said, "We believe that the allegations are without merit, and we forward to the opportunity to examine these matters with the states before the court." The states involved include California, Delaware, Florida, Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Michigan, Nevada, New Hampshire, New York, Tennessee, and Virginia. The District of Columbia is also involved.

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