Iowa Joins $400 Million Sandoz Generic Drug Price Fixing Settlement
Iowa has joined a coalition of more than 40 states and territories in a $400 million settlement with Sandoz Inc. and Fougera Pharmaceuticals Inc. over allegations that the companies conspired to inflate prices on generic prescription drugs. Attorney General Brenna Bird announced that the coalition reached the settlement in principle on Aug. 3. A motion for preliminary approval will be filed in U.S. District Court in Hartford, Connecticut. The complaint alleged that makers of generic medications took part in a broad plot to unlawfully hike costs, stifle market rivalry, and illegally curb commerce across a wide range of prescription pharmaceuticals. The litigation additionally settled claims that foreign subsidiaries of Sandoz took part in the unlawful practices and moved assets deceptively to dodge financial accountability. “For years, these drug companies illegally manipulated the market, causing Iowans to pay higher prices for life-saving medicines they needed like antibiotics and blood pressure medication,” Bird said. “Now, it’s time for them to pay the price and be held accountable.”
Sandoz Pays $469 Million in Total Settlements
Iowa will receive $1,380,384.01 from the settlement. Factoring in earlier deals that Sandoz finalized with other states, the firm’s overall payout to state regulators will reach roughly $469 million.
The Sandoz agreement follows earlier settlements with Glenmark, Lannett, Bausch, Apotex, Heritage, and Heritage’s parent company Emcure, which totaled $96.5 million. Individuals who bought any generic medication included in the settlement catalog from May 2009 through December 2019 could qualify to receive a payout.
To determine eligibility, individuals can call 1-866-290-0182, email info@AGGenericDrugs.com, or visit www.AGGenericDrugs.com.
Sandoz Agrees to Internal Antitrust Reforms
Under the terms of the accord, Sandoz committed to implementing corporate policy changes designed to guarantee market fairness and adherence to competition regulations. The settlement arrives as the state coalition prepares for the first trial in Hartford in February 2027.
States and territories taking part in this resolution with Sandoz comprise Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Northern Mariana Islands, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Tennessee, U.S. Virgin Islands, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.
Generic Drug Price Fixing Investigation Questions
Who is eligible to receive compensation from the generic drug settlement?
Individuals who purchased a generic drug included on the settlement list between May 2009 and December 2019 may qualify for compensation. Claimants can verify their eligibility by visiting www.AGGenericDrugs.com or calling 1-866-290-0182.
When is the upcoming trial scheduled in the antitrust litigation?
The legal coalition is preparing for the first trial in the ongoing antitrust litigation to begin in February 2027 in Hartford, Connecticut.
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