Catia Twal

Pharmaceutical manufacturers introduce new and improved versions of drugs as part of their research and development strategy. However, concerns about antitrust violations are raised when manufacturers are alleged to use anticompetitive tactics to stifle generic competition.

On June 6, a motion for summary judgment was granted in In re: Lipitor Antitrust Litigation, dismissing claims of a pay-for-delay settlement from Pfizer Inc., the manufacturer of Lipitor, to Ranbaxy.

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) are continually focused on investigating the impact of consolidation in healthcare. More recently, the agencies have expressed a renewed interest in for-profit medicine.

On March 1, 2023, the House Committee on Oversight and Accountability launched an investigation into alleged anticompetitive behavior by pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs). Committee Chairman James Comer requested information from government agencies and three of the largest PBMs, citing concerns that consolidation among PBMs has “forced manufacturers to raise their prices” and led to “increased costs for consumers.”

Pharmaceutical manufacturers introduce new and improved versions of drugs as part of their research and development strategy. However, concerns about antitrust violations are raised when manufacturers are alleged to use anticompetitive tactics to stifle generic competition.

On June 6, a motion for summary judgment was granted in In re: Lipitor Antitrust Litigation, dismissing claims of a pay-for-delay settlement from Pfizer Inc., the manufacturer of Lipitor, to Ranbaxy.

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) are continually focused on investigating the impact of consolidation in healthcare. More recently, the agencies have expressed a renewed interest in for-profit medicine.

In this new article for The Antitrust Prescription, our pharmaceutical economics team discusses Amgen’s proposed acquisition of Horizon and the FTC’s broader approach to challenging conduct under Section 5 of the FTC Act. 

In this edition of The Antitrust Prescription, our Pharmaceutical Economics team discusses Merck and Glenmark's  settlements with direct purchasers, end payors, and retailers worth over a combined $600 million. 

Massachusetts Appleseed Center for Law and Justice and pro bono partner Edgeworth Economics have teamed up to expand on the Appleseed Network’s prior study on school discipline of girls across racial groups in Kansas, Alabama, and Massachusetts.