Generic drug manufacturers have long been the go-to for affordable medication options, but recent investigations have brought to light some not-so-cheap practices. New York Attorney General Letitia James, along with other attorneys general across 49 states, is urging New Yorkers to check if they're owed cash from a whopping $39.1 million settlement with the generic drug manufacturer Apotex Corp. In a major effort to combat rising prescription drug prices, 50 attorneys general have teamed up to tackle price-fixing in the antibiotic market, aiming to protect consumers from high costs. According to a statement from the Office of the Attorney General (OAG), those who purchased eligible generic drugs between May 2009 and December 2019 might be able to claim a slice of the settlement pie.
The AG's office is on a hunt to not just pinpoint, but to actively prosecute companies suspected of gouging drug prices. “The companies involved in this scheme inflated prices of vital medications used to treat everything from diabetes and heart conditions to cancer, and now we are holding them accountable. I urge any New Yorker who may have been a victim of this scheme to check their eligibility and claim the restitution they are owed," said Attorney General James in a statement obtained by the OAG. New Yorkers who believe they were affected can check their eligibility by calling 1-866-290-0182, emailing [email protected], or visiting www.AGGenericDrugs.com. This is part of the Attorney General's ongoing fight against a conspiracy that allegedly inflated prices on over 100 drugs.
Lawsuits claim that top executives from competing companies secretly met at social events, like 'girls' nights out' and golf outings, using phrases like "fair share" and "playing nice in the sandbox." The suits suggest these friendly gatherings were a cover for illegal price-fixing, causing drugs like the heart medication Digoxin to become much more expensive for patients, as per the Attorney General James's office.
Two former executives of Heritage Pharmaceuticals, Jeffery Glazer and Jason Malek, have settled and are now cooperating with the Attorney General’s office in its ongoing fight against other drug companies. This case marks a potential shift, as Attorney General James and her team have secured settlements and reforms from Apotex and Heritage, both of which have agreed to follow the rules and assist in the investigations.
For more information on the generic drug pricing settlement or to check eligibility, residents can visit the AG's website or contact them via their hotline or email.
