New York Attorney General Letitia James, alongside a coalition of 49 other attorneys general, is urging consumers to check their eligibility for compensation following a $39.1 million settlement with generic drug manufacturer Apotex Corp. This settlement addresses allegations of price inflation and reduced competition in the generic drug market. Previously, a $10 million settlement was also reached with Heritage Pharmaceuticals as part of an ongoing investigation into prescription drug price fixing.
Attorney General James emphasized the impact on consumers, stating, "When companies collude behind closed doors to raise prescription drug prices, they put everyday New Yorkers at serious risk." She encouraged New Yorkers affected by this scheme to claim restitution.
Eligible individuals are those who purchased specific generic drugs between May 2009 and December 2019. They can determine their eligibility by calling 1-866-290-0182 (toll-free), emailing info@AGGenericDrugs.com, or visiting www.AGGenericDrugs.com.
The settlements stem from three lawsuits filed by the Office of the Attorney General and a coalition against major pharmaceutical companies accused of conspiring to fix prices and rig bids for over 100 generic drugs. The complaints allege that executives coordinated through various social gatherings and communications to maintain inflated prices and discourage competition.
The implicated drugs cover multiple forms and classes, including treatments for infections, diabetes, cancer, epilepsy, HIV, ADHD, among others. In some cases, price increases exceeded 1,000 percent; Digoxin's price tripled under Heritage Pharmaceuticals' manufacturing.
In November 2024, settlements were announced with Apotex and Heritage. Both companies have agreed to cooperate in ongoing litigations against other defendants and implement reforms to prevent future misconduct. The coalition has filed the settlement today in the U.S. District Court for the District of Connecticut after obtaining necessary signatures from states and territories.
Joining Attorney General James are attorneys general from across numerous states including California, Florida, Texas as well as territories like Puerto Rico and Northern Mariana Islands.
This case is one among several actions taken by Attorney General James against anticompetitive practices harming New Yorkers. Recent victories include actions against Intermountain ski resort owner for illegal acquisitions and securing changes in NCAA rules regarding student athletes' compensation opportunities.
The investigation has been led by Assistant Attorneys General Bob Hubbard, Saami Zain, Ben Cole along with Legal Assistant Arlene Leventhal under Deputy Bureau Chief Amy McFarlane's supervision within the Antitrust Bureau of New York’s Division for Economic Justice.