Attorney general urges consumers to seek compensation for inflated generic drug prices

CARSON CITY – Nevada Attorney General Aaron Ford is calling on consumers to check their eligibility for compensation after a $39.1 million settlement was reached with generic drug manufacturer Apotex over allegations of price inflation and anti-competitive practices. 

Nevada is among 50 states and territories joining this effort.

The settlement, filed in U.S. District Court in Connecticut, resolves claims that Apotex conspired to artificially inflate and manipulate prices of numerous generic prescription drugs, limiting competition. This follows a previous $10 million settlement with Heritage Pharmaceuticals on similar charges.

“My office will always stand up against companies who illegally manipulate the market and harm Nevada consumers,” stated 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 certain generic prescription drugs between May 2009 and December 2019 may be eligible for compensation. To determine eligibility, individuals are encouraged to call 1-866-290-0182 (toll-free), email info@AGGenericDrugs.com, or visit www.AGGenericDrugs.com.

Both Apotex and Heritage have agreed to cooperate in ongoing multistate litigations against 30 corporate defendants and 25 individual executives. They have also committed to injunctive relief to prevent future misconduct and implement internal reforms to ensure fair competition and compliance with antitrust laws.

The settlements stem from a series of investigations and antitrust complaints filed by a coalition of states, including Nevada, beginning in 2016. These complaints allege a widespread, long-running conspiracy among generic drug manufacturers to artificially inflate prices. Evidence includes cooperating witnesses, a vast document database, and phone records revealing communication between competitors discussing anti-competitive practices.

The complaints detail how industry executives allegedly met at social gatherings and communicated via phone, email and text to coordinate price increases and discourage competition. The states obtained records, including a cooperator’s notes, documenting these discussions.