Kapoor certainly deserves to go to jail, but so do some other pharma execs

Hang ’em high.

There is no getting around this age-old imagery. Insys Therapeutics founder John Kapoor and his former gang members at the disgraced drug maker should get the maximum sentences for their shameful roles in helping to foment an opioid crisis that has claimed countless lives and roiled an entire nation.

For years, Insys executives pressured their sales team to bribe doctors into writing more prescriptions for its Subsys painkiller, which contains fentanyl, a powerful and addictive opioid. Doctors were given free meals, cash, and, sometimes, dark chocolate bars. Then there was the ex-stripper who was hired as a regional sales manager and gave one doctor a motivational lap dance.

STAT+ Exclusive Story

Already have an account? Log in

This article is exclusive to STAT+ subscribers

Unlock this article — plus in-depth analysis, newsletters, premium events, and networking platform access.

Already have an account? Log in

Already have an account? Log in

Individual plans

Group plans

Monthly

$39

Totals $468 per year

$39/month Get Started

Totals $468 per year

Starter

$30

for 3 months, then $39/month

$30 for 3 months Get Started

Then $39/month

Annual

$399

Save 15%

$399/year Get Started

Save 15%

11+ Users

Custom

Savings start at 25%!

Request A Quote Request A Quote

Savings start at 25%!

2-10 Users

$300

Annually per user

$300/year Get Started

$300 Annually per user

View All Plans

Get unlimited access to award-winning journalism and exclusive events.

Subscribe

Log In