American Greed: Scams, Scoundrels and Scandals Season 10 Episode 11

American Greed: Scams, Scoundrels and Scandals Season 10 Episode 11 Pain Killer Profits

  • July 7, 2016

American Greed: Scams, Scoundrels and Scandals is a documentary TV show that focuses on high-profile cases of white-collar crime, fraud and other types of financial wrongdoing. In Season 10 episode 11 named "Pain Killer Profits," the show spotlights the opioid epidemic and the role of big pharmaceutical companies in fueling it.

The episode begins by introducing viewers to the story of Insys Therapeutics, a company that used aggressive and unethical tactics to promote and sell its highly addictive painkiller drug, Subsys. It was marketed as a quick and efficient treatment for cancer patients suffering from severe pain, but it was used indiscriminately on patients who did not have cancer, making them dependent on the drug.

The episode also explores the role of Insys's founder and former CEO, John Kapoor, who was eventually convicted of racketeering conspiracy in May 2019. He was found guilty of bribing doctors to prescribe Subsys and misleading insurance companies into covering the cost of the drug, resulting in millions of dollars of profit for the company.

Through interviews with law enforcement officials, journalists, and former Insys employees, the show delves into the extent of the company's malfeasance and the impact it had on patients, their families and society at large.

One of the most shocking revelations in the episode is the story of Sarah Fuller, a young mother from New Jersey who was prescribed Subsys by her doctor despite not having cancer. Fuller became addicted to the drug and later died of an overdose, leaving behind two small children. Her story is a tragic example of the toll that the opioid epidemic has taken on individuals and communities across America.

The show also highlights the efforts of whistleblowers, investigative journalists and law enforcement officials who helped to expose the fraudulent practices of Insys and other pharmaceutical companies. They worked tirelessly to hold these companies accountable and bring justice to the victims of their crimes.

Overall, "Pain Killer Profits" is a powerful and thought-provoking episode that sheds light on one of the biggest public health crises of our time and the greed and corruption that enabled it. It is a cautionary tale about the dangers of corporate power and the need for greater oversight and transparency in the pharmaceutical industry.

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Description
  • First Aired
    July 7, 2016
  • Language
    English