Ex-Nephron executive alleges discrimination in lawsuit. Here’s what to know

A former top executive at West Columbia-based Nephron Pharmaceuticals has filed a lawsuit accusing the drug manufacturer of unreported fentanyl losses, racial discrimination and retaliation. Nola Grant, who served as chief human resources officer from October 2022 until April 2025, alleges she was wrongfully terminated after refusing to falsify audit data.

FULL STORY: Former Nephron executive alleges wrongdoing in new lawsuit

Here are key takeaways:

• Grant’s June 16 lawsuit alleges Nephron officials knew about lost fentanyl but failed to report it to the DEA, as legally required for registered pharmaceutical manufacturers. She says no corrective action was taken when she raised the issue.
• Grant was allegedly asked to falsify data for a compliance audit and provided altered surveillance footage to the FDA regarding the “late-night clearing” of the Calhoun Warehouse ahead of an FDA inquiry.
• Grant, the only Black executive at Nephron during her tenure, alleges she was subjected to “severe and pervasive racially discriminatory and hostile conduct,” including screaming within 10 inches of her face during an October 2024 compliance audit.
• Company representatives repeatedly reminded Grant of her NDA to silence her from reporting violations to the FDA, DEA and other agencies, the lawsuit alleges. She is seeking to void portions of the NDA, plus back pay, punitive damages and attorney’s fees.
• Nephron spokesman Zach Pippin declined to comment. The company has faced significant FDA scrutiny, including a fall 2025 inspection citing sterility failures, a 2022 recall of more than 2 million drug doses and roughly 20 recalls since 2012.

The summary points above were compiled with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists. The full story in the link at top was reported, written and edited entirely by journalists.