Big Pharma Pays Up as Oregonians Eye Compensation in $39.1 Million Apotex Price-Fixing Bust
Oregon consumers of generic prescription drugs could qualify for compensation following an application for the preliminary approval of a $39.1 million settlement from Canadian-based global pharmaceutical corporation, Apotex, for conspiring to inflate the prices of generic drugs and to limit competition.
Pharmaceutical Companies Cannot Get Way with Ripping Off Consumers
Attorney General Dan Rayfield says Oregon consumers should check if they are eligible for compensation for generic drug purchases, adding that Oregon, and 50 states and territories, sent a ‘clear message’ that pharmaceutical companies cannot get away with ripping off consumers.
A settlement in principle was reached last fall by the multistate coalition with Apotex, on the condition that signatures were obtained from all states and territories. That condition has now been met and the coalition yesterday filed for settlement in the U.S. District Court for the District of Connecticut in Hartford.
More than 100 prescription drugs are involved in the series of complaints, dating to 2016, that have been filed by the bipartisan coalition. Consumers who bought generic prescription drugs from May 2009 to December 2019 could be eligible for compensation if they purchased any generic prescription drugs listed here.
Drug Manufacturers Manipulated Prices
A settlement agreement with Apotex has been reached, addressing claims that the company, as well as Heritage Pharmaceuticals which has paid a $10 million settlement, and other generic drug manufacturers, took part in long-term schemes to artificially raise and manipulate prices, limit competition, and restrain trade.
As part of the agreement, Apotex and Heritage have pledged cooperation in ongoing legal actions involving 30 corporations and 25 executives. They have also committed to implementing internal reforms to promote ‘fair competition and compliance with antitrust laws.’
The investigations built a database of more than 20 million documents, phone records, and contact information involving more than 600 sales, and people in the generic industry involved with the pricing of products.
Evidence included information about an ‘interconnected web of industry executives’ who met at dinners, lunches, golf outings, and cocktail parties and communicated via text messages, emails, and telephone calls.
To determine eligibility, consumers should call 1-866-290-0182 (Toll-Free), email [email protected], or visit www.AGGenericDrugs.com.