Arizona sues Chandler-based opioid maker Insys for fraud

PHOENIX (AP) - Arizona's attorney general is suing the Chandler-based maker of a potent opioid drug, alleging that Insys Therapeutics engaged in fraud to boost the sales of a drug designed for cancer patients.

Attorney General Mark Brnovich announced the lawsuit against Insys, two former employee and three Arizona doctors Thursday.

The drug Subsys contains a synthetic opioid called fentanyl and is approved only for breakthrough cancer pain.

The lawsuit alleges Insys advertised the drug for use in milder pain and worked to get insurance pre-approvals and encourage doctors to prescribe it. The three doctors allegedly collected sham speaker fees in exchange for writing Subsys prescriptions.

The case is the latest in a series of lawsuits filed against the company across the nation.

The suit was filed in Maricopa County Superior Court.