In February 2026, the pharmaceutical industry witnessed a legislative development with the enactment of the 2026 Consolidated Appropriations Act. This new law addresses longstanding issues within the Orphan Drug Act, providing clarity and incentives for companies engaged in the research and development of orphan drugs, which are crucial for treating rare diseases. This legislative update…
New York Attorney General Letitia James has announced a $2.5 million settlement with EmblemHealth, focusing on allegations that the insurer misrepresented its network of mental health providers. This situation sheds light on the pervasive issue of “ghost networks,” wherein healthcare plans list providers who are, in reality, unavailable. The agreement with EmblemHealth is part of…
The U.S. Senate has confirmed Colin McDonald as the Assistant Attorney General for the newly established Fraud Division within the Department of Justice. This move, decided by a narrow 52-47 vote along party lines, marks a significant step in the Biden administration’s efforts to address complex fraud cases that have surged in recent years. The…
QuidelOrtho Corp, a prominent entity in the in vitro diagnostics sector, has recently appointed a new Chief Legal Officer. Timothy J. Guertin steps into this pivotal role, bringing with him a wealth of experience in corporate legal affairs. His appointment comes as QuidelOrtho continues to strengthen its position in the global diagnostics market, which has…
A newly established federal anti-fraud task force promises to intensify scrutiny on state and local governments, contractors, and companies, particularly within healthcare fraud and False Claims Act cases. This initiative, comprising more than a dozen federal agencies, highlights evolving challenges for businesses navigating compliance risks and marks a pivotal moment for firms specializing in white-collar…
Vincent Schmeltz has joined Steptoe & Johnson LLP as a partner in their Chicago office, where he will focus on investigations and white-collar defense. This move expands Steptoe’s capabilities in handling complex regulatory and investigative challenges across a spectrum of industries. Bloomberg Law notes that Schmeltz’s addition is aimed at bolstering the firm’s national regulatory…
The Delaware Court of Chancery, known for its pivotal role in shaping corporate law, recently tackled several significant cases that caught the legal community’s attention. This past week, the court’s docket included high-stakes disputes involving major consumer brands, the reinstatement of a video game executive, the ongoing discourse around noncompete agreements, and emerging allegations of…
Amarin Pharma Inc. has petitioned the U.S. Supreme Court to maintain a ruling supporting its claim that Hikma Pharmaceuticals USA Inc. has actively encouraged infringement upon its patents for the heart drug Vascepa. This legal battle, with significant implications for intellectual property rights, emphasizes the potential nationwide impact of a reversal. Amarin argues that such…
The World Health Organization (WHO) has denounced a devastating attack on Al Deain Teaching Hospital in Sudan, which resulted in significant casualties. On March 20, the assault claimed the lives of over 64 people, including 13 children, healthcare workers, and patients. Eighty-nine individuals were injured, while critical damage to the hospital’s pediatric, maternity, and emergency…
Baxter International’s General Counsel witnessed a significant pay package in 2025, reflecting the growing trend in General Counsel compensations across major corporations. This trend underscores the critical role that legal executives play in strategic decision-making and risk management. In 2025, the General Counsel of Baxter International earned $3.8 million, a figure that highlights the value…
The Delaware Chancery Court, renowned for its role in handling complex corporate litigation, continues to attract attention with its recent docket featuring major disputes and legal developments. This past week has been no exception, with high-stakes cases involving consumer brands, executive roles in the video game industry, and significant claims in the healthcare sector. A…
The legal industry is increasingly focusing on liftouts as a strategic recruitment approach, particularly in the face of rising lateral hiring risks. Unlike the traditional method of hiring individual attorneys, often referred to as “onesies, twosies,” firms are now opting to recruit entire practice groups. Julie Henson, chief growth officer at Decipher, a recruiting intelligence…
Mitby Pacholder LLP, a prominent Texas-based law firm, has expanded its intellectual property capabilities with the addition of a seasoned IP litigator in its Houston office. This strategic move is seen as an effort to bolster the firm’s expertise in intellectual property disputes, a critical area as the market for technology and innovation continues to…
Amnesty International has called on Israel to cease attacks on healthcare workers, medical facilities, and first responders in Lebanon, raising the concern that such actions could violate international humanitarian law. Kristine Beckerle, Deputy Regional Director for the Middle East and North Africa, highlighted the grave risks health professionals face, emphasizing that hospitals, ambulances, and medical…
Alberta’s newly proposed legislation to restrict access to medical assistance in dying (MAID) has triggered significant human rights concerns, particularly from the Canadian Civil Liberties Association, which argues that the law could infringe upon rights guaranteed by the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. The group has called on the provincial government to retract the…
Katie Watson, the former General Counsel of Gilead Sciences, is set to receive a severance package exceeding $2.5 million following her departure from the biopharmaceutical company. This substantial severance underscores the lucrative nature of high-level executive roles in the pharmaceutical industry. Details of the compensation package highlight the financial arrangements often involved in the turnover…
The Federal Circuit recently delivered a ruling favoring the U.S. government in a legal battle involving a subcontractor over the proprietary rights to healthcare software used in the U.S. Army’s veterinary records system. The court upheld a lower court’s decision, indicating that the subcontractor failed to establish a valid contract claim, further dismissing attempts to…
Baron & Budd PC, Walden Macht Haran & Williams LLP, and Powers Pyles Sutter & Verville PC have risen to prominence this week, as they lead Law360’s Legal Lions after a significant victory in the Ninth Circuit. The court revived a False Claims Act lawsuit involving major pharmaceutical companies accused of massive overcharges in a…
In the fast-paced world of corporate legal affairs, staying informed about recent developments is crucial for general counsels and in-house legal teams. This week, several stories have emerged that could impact decision-making in boardrooms across sectors. First, a significant shake-up in the tech sector has occurred, as a major player is undergoing strategic restructuring to…
In a significant legal development, a US federal district judge recently indicated he would prevent Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. from enforcing a controversial declaration issued in December last year. The declaration challenged gender-affirming treatments for minors, labeling them “sex-rejecting procedures” and purporting them as unsafe and ineffective. The hearing saw Judge Mustafa Kasubhai…
In a significant legal development, Costco and Apollo Healthcare Corp. successfully fended off a trade dress infringement counterclaim involving the popular “Brazilian Bum Bum” cream. The case was brought against them by a rival company alleging that they had copied the design elements of the cream’s distinctive packaging, which features a rounded bottom and an…
The U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee has moved forward with Colin McDonald’s nomination for the newly established position of assistant attorney general for fraud, advancing his candidacy with a 12-10 vote that fell along party lines. This marks a critical step in the process as the nomination now heads to the full Senate for consideration. This…
UN Women has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting women and girls in Afghanistan, despite ongoing challenges and restrictions. Susan Ferguson, UN Women’s Special Representative in Afghanistan, emphasized the agency’s determination to continue delivering aid, even in the face of restrictive conditions and conflict in the region. She made a compelling call for Afghan authorities to…
In a significant move within the legal industry, a seasoned health litigator has rejoined Holland & Knight LLP in Jacksonville, Florida, after a decade-long tenure as in-house counsel for Florida Blue, a subsidiary of GuideWell Mutual Holding Corp. This return marks a strategic enhancement to the firm’s health care litigation capabilities, as reported by Law360….
Holland & Knight LLP has recently expanded its healthcare litigation team by welcoming back a seasoned attorney who previously served as a top legal advisor in the public sector. This move underscores the firm’s commitment to strengthening its capabilities in healthcare law. The attorney, who had been with Holland & Knight earlier in their career,…