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Partner Lesley Ann Skillen Presents on FCA Implications of COVID-19 Vaccine and Drug Clinical Trials and Manufacturing

All News November 23, 2020

Getnick Law Partner Lesley Ann Skillen is a member of Taxpayers Against Fraud’s COVID-19 Pharmaceutical Fraud Subcommittee, a key component of TAF’s COVID-19 Task Force. During the pandemic, this select group of experienced qui tam attorneys has met weekly to identify and explore breaking developments in the nation’s efforts to develop COVID-19 vaccines, therapeutics and diagnostics and analyze the existing laws designed to safeguard the billions of taxpayer dollars spent on these efforts to date from fraud and abuse. This has focused on potential liability under the False Claims Act qui tam whistleblower laws, drawing on precedents — such as prior settlements and court cases — and positions staked out by regulatory agencies and government prosecutors. To date, Ms. Skillen has participated with her colleagues in webinars covering clinical trials and current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMPs). More webinars are planned for the new year.

Ms. Skillen and Getnick Law represented whistleblower Cheryl Eckard in the groundbreaking $750M civil and criminal settlement with drug maker GlaxoSmithKline alleging cGMP violations which led to the largest qui tam award for a single whistleblower. Learn more about our whistleblower practice and successes.