The Bayer Group has agreed to a multi-million dollar settlement in the USA because of alleged illegal commissions and misrepresentations in the marketing of certain drugs.

Bayer is paying around $40 million (€40.2 million) to settle the case, the Justice Department said in Washington. The company did not admit guilt.

Specifically, according to the announcement, it is about whistleblower complaints from a former marketing employee. She accused Bayer of fueling sales of two drugs by paying covert commissions ("kickbacks") to hospitals and doctors. In addition, Bayer made false statements when selling and downplayed safety risks with a third drug.