FTC says companies team up to stall generics
Generic drugs are seen as a solution to the high prices of brand name pharmaceuticals. But federal officials are concerned that generic companies are agreeing to stall competition and maintain high prices – for a fee. Over the coming months and possibly years a US District Court in Pennsylvania will determine whether the pharmaceutical company Cephalon was illegally paying off competitors to maintain a monopoly for a sleeping drug – or playing by the rules. The Federal Trade Commission says consumers are being hurt and it’s going to try and put an end to such deals once and for all. From WHYY’s health and science desk Kerry Grens reports.
Generic drugs are seen as a solution to the high prices of brand name pharmaceuticals. But federal officials are concerned that generic companies are agreeing to stall competition and maintain high prices – for a fee. Over the coming months and possibly years a US District Court in Pennsylvania will determine whether the pharmaceutical company Cephalon was illegally paying off competitors to maintain a monopoly for a sleeping drug – or playing by the rules. The Federal Trade Commission says consumers are being hurt and it’s going to try and put an end to such deals once and for all. From WHYY’s health and science desk Kerry Grens reports.
More Info: Read the FTC’s report on pharmaceutical lawsuit agreements
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