Attorney General Aaron D. Ford has called on consumers to verify their eligibility for compensation related to generic drug purchases. This follows Nevada's involvement with 50 states and territories in seeking preliminary approval for a $39.1 million settlement with Apotex, a generic drug manufacturer accused of price inflation and limiting competition.
Last fall, AG Ford announced the settlement in principle with Apotex, alongside a $10 million settlement with Heritage Pharmaceuticals. The agreement required signatures from all involved states and territories, which have now been secured. The coalition is filing the settlement in U.S. District Court for the District of Connecticut.
"My office will always stand up against companies who illegally manipulate the market and harm Nevada consumers," stated AG Ford. "Consumer protection is one of my office’s top priorities, and I strongly urge Nevadans to check their eligibility for compensation in this matter."
Consumers who purchased specific generic drugs between May 2009 and December 2019 can check eligibility by calling 1-866-290-0182 (toll-free), emailing info@AGGenericDrugs.com, or visiting www.AGGenericDrugs.com.
The settlements address allegations that Apotex and Heritage engaged in conspiracies to inflate prices, reduce competition, and restrain trade concerning various generic drugs. Both companies have agreed to cooperate in ongoing multistate litigations against multiple corporate defendants and individual executives. They have also committed to reforms ensuring fair competition and compliance with antitrust laws.
Nevada is part of a coalition filing three antitrust complaints since 2016. The first complaint included Heritage among other defendants; the second was filed against Teva Pharmaceuticals and major manufacturers; while the third focuses on topical generics accounting for significant sales.
Investigations were based on evidence from witnesses, a document database exceeding 20 million documents, phone records involving over 600 industry individuals, and more. Complaints detail illegal agreements facilitated through communications such as calls, emails, texts, dinners, parties, etc., describing collusion using terms like "fair share" or "playing nice."
AG Ford's announcement was made alongside attorneys general from numerous states including Alaska, California, Florida, Illinois among others across the United States.