The AP (10/3) reports from Abingdon, VA, “A federal court in Virginia on Tuesday approved a settlement in which Abbott Laboratories agreed to pay $1.5 billion over allegations that it promoted the anti-seizure drug Depakote for uses that were not approved by the Food and Drug Administration.” The AP continues, “Abbott agreed in May to pay a criminal fine and forfeiture of $700 million and settlements with the federal government and states totaling $800 million. The settlement was approved Tuesday in U.S. District Court in Abingdon. Virginia will receive $4.2 million from the civil settlement.”

        The Wall Street Journal (10/3, Jones, Subscription Publication) reports that Abbott spokesman Scott Stoffel said the firm “takes our responsibility to our patients and health-care providers very seriously and has comprehensive compliance and training programs.”

        The Fairfax (VA) News (10/3, Pullias) reports, “The court approved the $1.5 billion settlement reached on May 7, 2012, among Abbott, Virginia, the United States government, and 48 other states and the District of Columbia, in which Abbott pled guilty to a criminal charge and admitted civil liability for the company’s unlawful promotion of the prescription drug Depakote for uses not approved as safe and effective by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).”

        Reuters (10/3) also reports this story.