November 4, 2024— A federal court in New Jersey has awarded Sandoz Inc. over $70 million in damages after ruling that United Therapeutics Corp. unlawfully obstructed the sale of a generic version of a hypertension medication. The decision was announced in a court order on Friday.
Background of The Case
The legal conflict began with a 2015 Settlement Agreement between Sandoz and United Therapeutics regarding the production and marketing of treprostinil, a drug used to treat pulmonary arterial hypertension. According to this agreement, Sandoz was allowed to manufacture and sell its generic version starting June 26, 2018. However, Sandoz claimed that United Therapeutics violated this agreement by taking actions that delayed the launch of its generic product.
The trial lasted three days, from April 29 to May 1, 2024, and focused on determining the damages owed to Sandoz due to this alleged breach of contract. On November 1, 2024, the court ruled in favor of Sandoz, emphasizing the need for compliance with settlement agreements in the pharmaceutical industry.
Conclusion
Sandoz’s recent win in this antitrust suit against United Therapeutics marks a critical moment in the ongoing battle for market access between generic and brand-name drug manufacturers. The court’s decision reinforces the importance of adhering to legal agreements and protecting consumer access to essential medications. As this case unfolds, it will likely influence future policies and practices within the pharmaceutical industry.
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