Drugmaker Aegerion’s Plea Deal Rejected as Too Soft

Aegerion Pharmaceuticals faces the prospect of a criminal trial for alleged misbranding of its cholesterol drug Juxtapid after a federal court Nov. 20 rejected a $6.2 million plea agreement.

The U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts issued a scathing order rejecting the “C” plea, which prevents a court from deviating from the agreed punishment terms, as being too lenient without adequate explanation. Judge William G. Young criticized the fine as falling far short of the sentencing guidelines of between $18.5 million and $30.9 million. The judge also faulted the agreement for failing to require restitution ...