Firm Charged With Fraudulently Marketing Device

BOSTON (AP) — A medical technology company has been accused by federal prosecutors of fraudulently marketing devices used during spinal and bone surgeries.

The Justice Department announced on Wednesday that Hopkinton, Mass.-based Stryker Biotech, its former president Mark Philip and three sales managers had been charged with five counts of wire fraud and one count of conspiracy.

Stryker and Philip were also charged with making false statements to the Food and Drug Administration.

The allegations involve devices used to stimulate growth in long bones and the spine. Prosecutors allege the company promoted use of the devices in ways that were not approved by the FDA.

In a statement, Stryker said the company was "disappointed" by the charges and hoped to reach a "fair and just resolution."

A message left for Philip was not immediately returned.