Attorney General Todd Rokita has announced a $49.1 million settlement involving allegations of price-fixing in the generic drug market. This resolution is part of a broader effort by 46 states and four territories to address claims that two companies engaged in conspiracies to manipulate prices and limit competition for generic prescription drugs.
Rokita emphasized the importance of fair pricing, stating, “Hoosiers deserve to know that the prices they pay for generic drugs arise from free and fair competition among pharmaceutical companies.” He added that the fight continues against other companies not participating in these settlements.
The settlement agreements require the two involved companies to cooperate with ongoing litigation against 30 corporate defendants and 25 individual executives. Additionally, these companies have committed to implementing internal reforms to ensure compliance with antitrust laws.
A $10 million settlement with Heritage Pharmaceuticals was filed on October 31 in Connecticut's District Court. A separate $39.1 million settlement with Apotex will be finalized soon. The State of Connecticut has led these multistate litigation efforts.
Indiana residents who purchased certain generic drugs from Heritage or Apotex between 2010 and 2018 may be eligible for compensation. They can inquire about eligibility by calling a toll-free number or visiting a designated website.
This legal action began in 2016 when nearly all states and territories filed three antitrust complaints. The first complaint included Heritage Pharmaceuticals among others, while subsequent complaints targeted Teva Pharmaceuticals and other major manufacturers, as well as focusing on topical generic drugs.
Several pharmaceutical executives have entered into settlement agreements, cooperating with state claims across all cases.