Topeka Capital-Journal, The - Lawsuit says companies delayed generic version of drug
The Capital-Journal
Kansas consumers who purchased the brand name prescription medication Hytrin are eligible for refunds from a $30.7 million nationwide settlement announced Friday.
The refunds to consumers and third-party payers in 18 states will be paid by two companies that, according to the antitrust complaint, had conspired to engage in anticompetitive conduct that delayed the availability of a more affordable generic version of the medication.
Hytrin, which is used to treat hypertension and enlarged prostate, is manufactured by Abbott Laboratories, and the generic version (called “terazosin”) is produced by Geneva Pharmaceuticals.
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According to the federal lawsuit, Abbott wrongfully paid Geneva to delay introduction of its generic version of Hytrin and took other steps to delay competition from lower-priced versions of its product.
Under the settlement agreement, still subject to final court approval, Abbott and Geneva would provide $28.7 million for consumers in Kansas and 17 other states who bought the products between Oct. 15, 1995, and March 7, 2005.
The most direct way for consumers to obtain claims forms is through the settlement Web site, www.terazosinlitigation.com. The claims forms must be mailed to the settlement administrator no later than July 15. The amounts of individual refunds will depend on how many consumers file claims.
The settlement also establishes a separate $2 million fund to reimburse state agency claims and litigation costs incurred by Kansas, Florida and Colorado.
Claims forms also can be obtained by calling the settlement administrator at 1 (877) 886-0283, or by writing to: In re Terazosin Hydrochloride Antitrust Litigation, c/o Complete Claim Solutions Inc., P.O. Box 24607, West Palm Beach, FL 33416.
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