Attorney General Kris Mayes is encouraging Arizona consumers to examine their eligibility for compensation linked to a $39.1 million settlement with Apotex, a generic drug manufacturer accused of conspiring to inflate prices and limit competition. This initiative includes all 50 states and territories in a collective effort to secure initial approval of the settlement.
“Arizonans deserve a prescription drug market that puts patients ahead of profits,” Mayes stated. “This settlement ensures Apotex is held accountable for years of price manipulation and gives consumers an opportunity to be compensated. I encourage anyone who may be eligible to check their status and file a claim.”
Those who bought any generic prescription drug from a specific list between May 2009 and December 2019 might qualify for compensation. Eligibility can be confirmed by calling 1-866-290-0182 (Toll-Free), emailing [email protected], or visiting www.AGGenericDrugs.com.
The settlement with Apotex was announced alongside a $10 million settlement with Heritage Pharmaceuticals last fall. Both settlements address allegations of price manipulation and anti-competitive practices in the generic drugs market. Both companies have agreed to cooperate in ongoing litigations and implement reforms to prevent future violations of antitrust laws.
Arizona and numerous other states and territories are involved in antitrust complaints that began in 2016. The first complaint named Heritage, 17 other corporate defendants, and dealt with price manipulation of 15 generic drugs. Subsequent complaints filed in 2019 addressed further anti-competitive conduct across the generics market. These investigations involved substantial documentation and cooperation from key witnesses in the industry.
The proceedings target executives and corporate practices that stifled competition and inflated prices. There have been multiple settlements with individuals who are now cooperating with the states. The wide-ranging investigations have scrutinized a network of interactions among generic drug executives, revealing a culture of industry collusion.
The coalition of states includes Alaska, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, and many others. They all participated in this announcement, reinforcing the collective stance against anti-competitive practices in the pharmaceutical sector.