American Greed: Scams, Scoundrels and Scandals Season 2 Episode 5 Deadly RX For Greed

In season 2 episode 5 of American Greed: Scams, Scoundrels and Scandals named Deadly RX For Greed, viewers are introduced to a case that shook the pharmaceutical industry in the United States. The episode delves into the story of Insys Therapeutics, a company that manufactured and marketed a highly addictive painkiller known as Subsys.

The episode begins with the background of the opioid epidemic in America, and how pharmaceutical companies have contributed to the crisis. The viewer is then introduced to John Kapoor, the founder of Insys Therapeutics, a man who was once considered a respected figure in the industry. Through interviews with former employees, regulators, and whistle-blowers, viewers learn that John Kapoor was an ambitious man who was determined to make his company a success.

The episode then focuses on Insys Therapeutics's flagship product, Subsys, a drug that was designed to relieve pain in cancer patients. Through clever marketing tactics, the company managed to convince doctors to prescribe the drug to patients who did not necessarily need it. Sales representatives were given bonuses for increasing the number of prescriptions, and their commissions were tied to the amount of revenue generated. In some cases, Insys Therapeutics even paid doctors to prescribe Subsys, a practice known as kickbacks.

As the episode progresses, viewers learn that Subsys was highly addictive and had devastating consequences for patients who became dependent on it. The drug was also expensive, and some patients had to pay thousands of dollars per month out of pocket. Despite numerous complaints from patients and doctors, Insys Therapeutics continued to aggressively market the drug and downplayed its risks.

The situation eventually came to a head when a whistleblower from within the company contacted the authorities. Through interviews with this whistleblower, viewers learn about the shady practices that went on at Insys Therapeutics and how the company was able to deceive regulators. The episode also highlights the role of the Justice Department and the FBI in investigating and prosecuting John Kapoor and other executives at Insys Therapeutics.

The episode concludes with the aftermath of the case. Viewers learn about the charges against John Kapoor and other executives, and the ultimate fate of Insys Therapeutics as a company. The episode also touches on the broader implications of the case for the pharmaceutical industry and the opioid epidemic in the United States.

Overall, Deadly RX For Greed is a gripping episode that exposes the unethical practices of a pharmaceutical company and the devastating consequences for patients. Through interviews with insiders and regulators, viewers gain a deeper understanding of how the opioid crisis was fueled by the greed of corporations and individuals. The episode serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of prioritizing profits over people's health and wellbeing.