Get All Access for $5/mo

'Pharma Bro' Martin Shkreli Is Allegedly Disregarding His Pharmaceutical Industry Ban and His $64.6 Million Penalty – And the FTC Isn't Pleased Shkreli was released from prison in May after serving five years for security fraud.

By Sam Silverman

Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

Peter Foley/Bloomberg via Getty Images

The Federal Trade Commission has a bone to pick with 'Pharma Bro' Martin Shkreli – again.

Despite being banned from the pharmaceutical industry after he notoriously hiked the price of a lifesaving drug from $13.50 to $750 in 2015, in addition to serving five years in prison for securities fraud, the FTC fears Shkreli might be trying to get back into the drug business.

Shortly after Shkreli was released from prison in May, he formed a new company called Druglike Inc. in July, however, according to a court filing from U.S regulators, Shkreli has yet to comply with the FTC's request for more information about his latest venture.

In October 2022, the FTC began a new investigation into his "Web3 drug discovery software platform," according to CNN, and he's yet to provide the requested documents and appear for interviews.

The FTC also claims that Shkreli hasn't paid his $65.6 million penalty, which he was slapped with in February along with his pharma industry ban. According to CNN, Shkreli was supposed to pay back the funds from his drug price hike by March 2022, and he has yet to do so.

RELATED: 'Pharma Bro' Martin Shkreli Offers Survival Tips to Sam Bankman-Fried Ahead of Possible Jail Time: 'Sam Is Going to Have a Lot of Issues'

On Friday, the FTC asked a judge to hold Shkreli in contempt for allegedly stalling its investigation into his new business. But Shkreli's lawyers say "this is a misunderstanding with the FTC," according to Reuters, adding that Druglike Inc. is a software company and not a drug company.

However, according to the court filing, Shkreli has "made no efforts to comply with this provision of the Order."

A judge has yet to decide if the request for contempt will move forward.

Sam Silverman

Content Strategy Editor

Sam Silverman is a content strategy editor at Entrepreneur Media. She specializes in search engine optimization (SEO), and her work can be found in The US Sun, Nicki Swift, In Touch Weekly, Life & Style and Health. She writes for our news team with a focus on investigating scandals. Her coverage and expertise span from business news, entrepreneurship, technology, and true crime, to the latest in entertainment and TV news. Sam is a graduate of Lehigh University and currently resides in NYC. 

Want to be an Entrepreneur Leadership Network contributor? Apply now to join.

Editor's Pick

Business Ideas

63 Small Business Ideas to Start in 2024

We put together a list of the best, most profitable small business ideas for entrepreneurs to pursue in 2024.

Business News

These Companies Offer the Best Work-Life Balance, According to Employees

The ranking is based on Glassdoor ratings and reviews.

Science & Technology

Use This Framework to Successfully Integrate AI Into Your Business Operations

Here's how to ensure both innovation and compliance when using AI in your organization.

Leadership

Why Your AI Strategy Will Fail Without the Right Talent in Place

Using fractional AI experts through specialized platforms allows companies to access top talent cost-effectively, drive innovation and scale agile strategies for growth.

Growing a Business

5 Effective Strategies to Boost Your Business's Online Presence

Boosting your online presence in 2025 is the key to success for businesses looking to grow. Working on your branding and reputation management is important to drive more sales and improve conversion.