Midwest Veterinary Supply pleads guilty to introducing misbranded drugs

Midwest Veterinary Supply – a Minnesota-based company supplying prescription drugs for animals to veterinarians, farms, and other businesses – plead guilty to introducing misbranded drugs into interstate commerce. The company has agreed to pay over $10 million in criminal fees and forfeiture.

“The Department of Justice will continue to ensure that all companies follow federal laws regarding the distribution of prescription drugs,” United States Attorney Christopher R. Kavanaugh of the Western District of Virginia said in an organizational release.¹ “In this case, millions of dollars were obtained from the illegal distribution of veterinary medicine and, just like pharmaceuticals intended for human use, my Office will continue to hold accountable those companies and corporations that violate federal law.”

According to the release,¹ court documents stated that from 2011-2021, the company shipped prescription drugs from its nonpharmacy locations across the United States to end-users who did not have the proper authorization to receive prescription drugs. Because the drugs were shipped to unauthorized locations, the drugs were deemed misbranded. Midwest shipped at least $10,150,014 worth of misbranded drugs to end users during that period.

“The FDA regulates animal drugs as part of its mission to protect public health. Part of this responsibility includes ensuring that prescription animal drugs are lawfully distributed and dispensed pursuant to a valid prescription,” said Special Agent in Charge George A. Scavdis, FDA Office of Criminal Investigations’ Metro Washington Field Office, in the release.¹ “We will continue to investigate and bring to justice those who attempt to evade the law.”

As part of Midwest’s plea agreement, the company must forfeit $10,150,014 and be on probation for 1-3 years. The company will also pay the Virginia Department of Health Professions $1,000,000 and a $500,000 fine.

The case was investigated by The U.S. Food and Drug Administration – Office of Criminal Investigations and the Virginia State Police, with the assistance of the Virginia Department of Health Professions. The case will be prosecuted by Assistant US Attorney Randy Ramseyer.

Reference

Midwest Veterinary Supply pleads guilty to misbranding veterinary drugs. News release. U.S. Attorney's Office, Western District of Virginia. March 28, 2023. Accessed April 4, 2023. https://www.justice.gov/usao-wdva/pr/midwest-veterinary-supply-pleads-guilty-misbranding-veterinary-drugs?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery