South Carolina Part of a Multistate Coalition Securing $17.85 Million Settlement in Generic Drug Price-Fixing Case

South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson joined a coalition of 48 states and territories to announce $17.85 million in settlements with Lannett Company, Inc. and Bausch Health. The agreements resolve allegations that the companies participated in long-running conspiracies to artificially inflate prices, stifle competition, and restrain trade for numerous generic prescription drugs.

As part of the resolution, both companies will cooperate in ongoing multistate litigation led by Connecticut against 30 corporate defendants and 25 executives. They have also committed to internal reforms designed to ensure future compliance with antitrust laws and promote fair market competition.

Expanding Litigation and Evidence

These latest agreements follow previous settlements with Apotex and Heritage Pharmaceuticals totaling $49.1 million. The litigation, which began in 2016, is built upon a massive database of 20 million documents and millions of phone records.

Investigators uncovered an interconnected web of industry executives who allegedly coordinated illegal agreements during social outings, including industry dinners, golf trips, and cocktail parties. Internal records revealed the use of coded language—such as “playing nice in the sandbox” and “fair share”—to describe efforts to discourage competition and enforce a culture of collusion.

Compensation for Consumers

The settlements arrive as the states prepare for a significant trial in Hartford, Connecticut, currently anticipated for late 2026. This trial will focus on 80 topical generic drugs that represent billions of dollars in national sales.

South Carolinians who purchased eligible generic prescription drugs between May 2009 and December 2019 may be entitled to financial compensation. To verify eligibility and register for potential claims, residents are encouraged to use the following resources:

• Toll-Free Hotline: 1-866-290-0182

• Email: [email protected]

• Website: www.AGGenericDrugs.com

Attorney General Wilson emphasized that the state remains committed to holding companies accountable for inflating the costs of essential medications that citizens rely on for their health.