CHARLESTON, WV (WVDN) — West Virginia Attorney General Patrick Morrisey said the Circuit Court of Mason County has approved a settlement between the state and pharmaceutical companies Pfizer Inc. (and related companies) and Ranbaxy Inc. (and related companies) in an antitrust lawsuit involving a generic version of cholesterol drug Lipitor.
The lawsuit alleged the two companies conspired to delay the introduction of a generic version of Pfizer’s Lipitor that was produced by Ranbaxy. The combined settlement amount is $17 million.
“This is a big victory for the free market and consumers who may have paid more than what they should have for the much-needed medication,” Attorney General Morrisey said. “In all aspects of business, and that includes the pharmaceutical business, competition is key to a healthy marketplace.”
Consumers who may have a claim will be able to go to wvlipitorclaim.com [the website will be accessible shortly] for more information on how to file a claim.
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The lawsuit was filed in 2013 and alleged the two companies created a scheme that prevented a generic, cheaper version of the cholesterol-lowering drug to be introduced on the market for 20 months— Lipitor’s original patent expired on March 24, 2010.
Those who have questions about the claim process can also call the claim administrator at a number that will be published at a later date.
