A PYMNTS Company

US: More antitrust action for pharma sector

By  |  May 13, 2013

A federal lawyer heart two hours of oral arguments Friday from a lawyer representing two union health plans, accusing drug makers of fraud for coupons offered to consumers on brand name drugs. While the drug companies motioned to dismiss the two class actions, US District Judge Paul Oetken pressed the lawyer to explain how the coupons violated the law; according to reports, the coupons are accused to be “undisclosed kickbacks” and “commercial bribery” in violation of antitrust law intended to keep consumers on brand name drugs, often more expensive than their generic counterparts. According to the plaintiffs, the drug makers are utilizing coupons to preserve their market shares. According to reports, the Judge did not seem entirely convinced of the claims made.

    Get the Full Story

    Complete the form to unlock this article and enjoy unlimited free access to all PYMNTS content — no additional logins required.

    yesSubscribe to our daily newsletter, PYMNTS Today.

    By completing this form, you agree to receive marketing communications from PYMNTS and to the sharing of your information with our sponsor, if applicable, in accordance with our Privacy Policy and Terms and Conditions.

    Full Content: Thomson Reuters

    We’d love to be your preferred source for news.

    Please add us to your preferred sources list so our news, data and interviews show up in your feed. Thanks!

    Add as Preferred Source

    Want more news? Subscribe to CPI’s free daily newsletter for more headlines and updates on antitrust developments around the world.