A New Jersey-based pharmaceutical company has pleaded guilty to charges stemming from the sale of ultrasound gel contaminated with bacteria that infected more than a dozen patients.
NJ.com reports Pharmaceutical Innovations Inc. pleaded guilty on Wednesday to introducing adulterated medical devices into interstate commerce and was placed on two years of probation. The firm has also been fined $50,000 and ordered to forfeit another $50,000.
Federal prosecutors say the firm shipped defective products that were contaminated with bacteria that infected at least 16 patients.
Authorities say Pharmaceutical Innovations also agreed to settle a civil suit that calls for the company to destroy products that tested high for infectious bacteria.
Company officials say they’re committed to manufacturing products in compliance with applicable regulations.
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(AP story contains information from NJ Advance Media)