OxyContin Fraud Case Jeopardized by Whistleblower’s Death

A false claims case against opioid producer Purdue Pharma L.P. and other companies has been put on hold because of the Jan. 15 death of whistleblower Robert E. Manchester.

The case accuses Purdue Pharma and others of failing to report illicit practices and misrepresenting risks involving the distribution of OxyContin, an opioid pain reliever.

But a substitute whistleblower must be named or the case will be dismissed, according to a March 5 docket entry in the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts.

A motion for substitution may be made by Manchester’s successor or representative, or any other party, ...