Saint Louis Doctor Sentenced For Illegally Importing Non-FDA Approved Medications, Defrauding Patients

A Missouri doctor was sentenced for misbranded drugs charges and his Patterson Medical Clinic was sentenced for false statements charges on September 2nd, 2015 related to the purchases of non-FDA approved osteoporosis treatments. Both the doctor and his clinic face 3 years probation.

A Missouri doctor was sentenced for misbranded drugs charges and his Patterson Medical Clinic was sentenced for false statements charges on September 2nd, 2015 related to the purchases of non-FDA approved osteoporosis treatments. Both the doctor and his clinic face 3 years probation.

On Wednesday, September 2nd, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) announced that Dr. Mel Lucas of Saint Louis Missouri has been sentenced to three years probation as a result of his misbranded medication purchases. According to the DOJ, “From April 2009 to September 2011, Dr. Lucas repeatedly purchased Aclasta, a non-FDA approved drug used for the treatment of osteoporosis, online from two Canadian companies, Canada Health Solutions and Global Health Supplies. Dr. Lucas paid about $749 for each bottle of Aclasta, which was several hundred dollars less than the price of a bottle of Reclast, which is an FDA- approved drug also used to treat osteoporosis. The bottles of Aclasta had Italian and Turkish language on them, which was a clear indication that the drug was not intended for use in the United States.”

According to the DOJ, Lucas pled guilty in May to receiving misbranded prescription drugs via interstate commerce. Additionally, Lucas’ nurse practitioner, Robin Levy pled guilty in May to receipt in interstate commerce of misbranded prescription drugs. She is scheduled to appear for sentencing later this month.

This case was investigated by the Department of Health and Human Services-Office of Inspector General and the FBI. Assistant United States Attorneys Reginald Harris and Suzanne Moore handled the case for the U.S. Attorney’s Office.

By S. Imber