Pfizer Cleared in Multi-State Generic Drug Pricing Lawsuit
Pfizer has been dismissed from a sweeping antitrust lawsuit filed by dozens of U.S. states and territories accusing pharmaceutical companies of manipulating prices of generic medicines. A federal judge ruled that the plaintiffs failed to provide sufficient evidence linking Pfizer to the alleged conspiracy involving several widely used medications.
The case was brought by 45 states, Washington, D.C., and four U.S. territories against 36 drugmakers and executives over claims that they coordinated prices and allocated customers for numerous generic drugs.
Court Finds Insufficient Evidence Against Pfizer
The allegations focused on six generic medicines and claimed that Pfizer and its former generic-drug unit, Greenstone, participated in anti-competitive practices between 2010 and 2014. However, the court concluded that there was not enough evidence showing Pfizer directly joined any unlawful agreement.
Although Greenstone was accused of maintaining communications with competitors, the judge determined that those interactions were insufficient to hold Pfizer responsible under the legal theories presented by the states.
States Reviewing Decision as Legal Battle Continues
Connecticut Attorney General William Tong, who is leading the case, said officials are reviewing the ruling and remain committed to pursuing companies accused of inflating generic drug prices.
Pfizer welcomed the decision and stated that Greenstone had long served as a dependable supplier of affordable medicines. Greenstone was later spun off through a transaction that helped create Viatris in 2020.
Despite the dismissal in this case, Pfizer remains involved in another related lawsuit being overseen by the same federal judge.
Broader Antitrust Case Still Active
The broader litigation continues against numerous pharmaceutical companies accused of fixing prices for around 80 generic drugs, many of which are used to treat skin conditions and other common illnesses. State attorneys general have maintained that coordinated pricing practices increased healthcare costs for consumers and government programs.
