Johnson & Johnson to Settle Criminal Charge over Risperdal

The Associated Press reports that Johnson & Johnson has tentatively agreed to settle a single misdemeanor criminal charge related to a multi-year government investigation into the marketing of its psychiatric drug Risperdal. The company said that the agreement related to an allegation that the company promoted Risperdal for unapproved uses. The agreement, which has not been finalized, was disclosed in a filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. J&J said it has set aside funds to pay the proposed settlement fee, but did not disclose the amount. The Justice Department and the U.S. attorney''s office in Philadelphia are still pursuing other criminal and civil actions against the company, according to the filing. Since 2004, J&J''s Janssen Pharmaceuticals unit has received numerous subpoenas over Risperdal from federal and state prosecutors.