The marketers of Plavix, the world's second-largest selling drug, dodged a major threat to their revenues two months ago by reaching a deal to keep a generic competitor at bay until at least 2011.
Now, 10 lawsuits have been filed over the settlement Sanofi-Aventis SA and Bristol-Myers Squibb Co reached with Apotex Inc., a generic manufacturer challenging blood thinner Plavix's patent. The suits, filed by businesses, unions and health plans, allege the deal violates antitrust laws by denying access to cheap, generic versions of Plavix.
Experts say drug makers are delaying the introduction of cheaper rivals with deals like the Plavix settlement, in which Apotex agreed to drop its patent challenge and launch its product at a time approved by the patent holders in exchange for a payment of at least $40 million.
Insider's view: money for old rope. To be paid off for not launching a drug!
Insider has decided to form "Friday Pharmaceuticals Inc.".
We plan to launch generic Plavix asap. We await Sanofi's and BMS's emailed offers not to do so.
Yahoo
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