CDC warns of disruptions to ADHD meds after $100M fraud arrest

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is warning those who take medication for ADHD, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, could face a disruption in accessing care after two executives were arrested for a $100 million fraud scheme.

The CDC issued a health advisory to inform public health officials, clinicians and patients about the potential for medication distribution to be affected.

The Department of Justice (DOJ) released information Thursday on the arrests of a California-based digital health company’s CEO and clinical president.

The duo was arrested for their alleged participation in attempting to distribute Adderall over the internet, commit health care fraud by submitting false claims for reimbursement for the drug, and obstructing justice, the DOJ’s release said.

The CDC said in its advisory that patients who rely on the stimulant medication to treat ADHD, and have been using telehealth options to receive it, could experience a disruption to their treatment.

The disruption also coincides with an ongoing prescription drug shortage that includes ADHD drugs, the CDC said.

Ruthia He, the founder and CEO of Done Global Inc., was arrested in Los Angeles, and David Brody, the clinical president, was arrested in San Rafael, Calif.

“As alleged, these defendants exploited the COVID-19 pandemic to develop and carry out a $100 million scheme to defraud taxpayers and provide easy access to Adderall and other stimulants for no legitimate medical purpose,” Attorney General Merrick Garland said in a statement. “Those seeking to profit from addiction by illegally distributing controlled substances over the internet should know that they cannot hide their crimes and that the Justice Department will hold them accountable.”

He and Brody allegedly conspired to provide easy access to Adderall and other stimulants in exchange for payment of a monthly subscription fee. The indictment argues that they conspired to “unlawfully enrich themselves” by increasing subscription revenue each month.

The company allegedly obtained more than $100 million in revenue for the prescription of more than 40 million Adderall pills.

The CDC urged people to only obtain medication from a licensed clinician and licensed pharmacy as drug overdose deaths and illegal drug market threats continue across the country.

In an emailed statement, Done Global said it “strongly disagrees” with the charges filed against He and Brody. 

“Done Global will continue to operate – and do everything in our power to ensure that tens of thousands of Americans that rely on us do not lose access to their mental health care,” the company said. 

This story was updated June 18 at 3 p.m. ET