Gilead Sciences Inc said an unauthorized network of drug distributors and suppliers sold pharmacies more than $250 million of counterfeit versions of its HIV treatments over the last two years, endangering patients, Reuters reported.
The drugmaker said it found 85,247 bottles that had been tampered with or faked, including versions of its Biktarvy and Descovy treatments. (Wall Street Journal initially reported the scheme.)
The company added it has seized the bottles of Gilead-labeled medication from 17 locations in nine states as part of its investigation.
Gilead warned the public about HIV counterfeits on Aug. 5, two weeks after filing the lawsuit under seal. The company accused 22 defendants of violating federal trademark and New York consumer-protection laws. A common counterfeit was an anti-psychotic drug that often causes drowsiness.