Forest states it adheres to high ethical and legal standards

Forest is committed to adhering to high ethical and legal standards, it has asserted.

The statement came after a complaint was filed against the company for the way it marketed two antidepressant drugs – Lexapro and Celexa.

According to the allegations, the pharmaceutical firm dishonestly promoted the treatments for off-label paediatric use.

There were also further claims that the business paid bribes to physicians to encourage them to prescribe the drugs.

Both of the accusations have “consistently been against Forest policy”, the firm commented.

The complaint was filed by the United States and was unsealed in Massachusetts federal court.

Forest is in discussions with the government about the investigation and is currently reviewing the claims.

At the appropriate time, it will respond to the action, the company concluded.

Last month, Forest announced a drug called Savella had been approved for the management of fibromyalgia.

The chronic condition is typified by decreased physical function and widespread pain.

Among its products, Forest develops and markets remedies to treat the central nervous and cardiovascular systems.