Pfizer removed from U.S. states’ drug price-fixing lawsuit

• The lawsuit involves price-fixing allegations for 80 generic drugs, with states claiming Greenstone executives exchanged over 360 communications with rival Sandoz to coordinate anticompetitive activity on six drug products
• Judge ruled Greenstone operated independently for profit rather than solely as Pfizer's agent, and no evidence showed Pfizer knew of collusion when approving price changes
• Pfizer spun off Greenstone in 2020 to create Viatris, but remains a defendant in a separate generic drug antitrust case overseen by the same judge

Summary: Pfizer Dismissed from Multi-State Generic Drug Price-Fixing Lawsuit

Key Development: Pfizer has been removed as a defendant from a major antitrust lawsuit where 45 U.S. states, the District of Columbia, and four territories accused multiple drugmakers of conspiring to fix generic drug prices.

Court Ruling: On June 24, Chief Judge Michael Shea of the federal district court in Connecticut ruled that states failed to prove Pfizer and its former Greenstone unit conspired with competitors between 2010-2014 to rig bids and allocate customers for six generic drug products.

Products Involved: The alleged conspiracy covered generic versions of medications including Eplerenone tablets (high blood pressure), Latanoprost drops (glaucoma), and four Clindamycin phosphate formulations (acne).

Evidence Presented: States alleged Greenstone executives exchanged over 360 phone calls and text messages with Swiss drugmaker Sandoz to coordinate anticompetitive activity. However, the judge determined no reasonable jury could conclude Pfizer directly conspired to fix prices or knew of Greenstone's alleged collusion.

Judge's Rationale: The court found that Greenstone operated independently for profit beyond merely serving its parent company's interests, rejecting the states' argument that it functioned solely as Pfizer's agent.

Broader Lawsuit: The overall case involves approximately 36 defendants accused of price-fixing for 80 generic drugs, primarily treating skin conditions. Connecticut Attorney General William Tong leads the litigation.

Corporate Structure: Pfizer spun off Greenstone in 2020, creating Viatris. Pfizer remains a defendant in one of two other related generic drug antitrust cases overseen by Judge Shea.

Company Response: Pfizer expressed satisfaction with the dismissal and pledged to continue defending against remaining claims.