FTC Sues in 'Pay-for-Delay' Pact (these people are scum)

[DainBramaged]

The Federal Trade Commission has filed suit in federal court in an attempt to block a deal in which a manufacturer of a brand-name testosterone-replacement drug paid three competitors to delay rolling out cheaper generic versions.

The FTC said the "pay-for-delay" agreement violates antitrust laws, robs consumers of less-expensive alternatives and allows the brand-name drugmaker an unfair monopoly. The state of California joined the federal agency in its complaint, which was filed last week in U.S. District Court in the Central District of California.

FTC officials are hoping the case will ultimately reach the U.S. Supreme Court. "We want to stop these unconscionable pay-for-delay deals that force consumers to overpay for much-needed drugs," said Jon Leibowitz, an FTC commissioner.

Androgel is a synthetic testosterone gel prescribed to men who have low levels of the hormone due to aging, cancer, or HIV/AIDS, among other conditions. Solvay Pharmaceuticals was granted a 17-year patent for Androgel in 2003, and it has become the drug company's second-highest grossing drug, earning about $400 million in annual sales.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/02/02/AR2009020202968.html?hpid=moreheadlines

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/02/02/AR2009020202968_pf.html (print version for easy access without subscription)

I have to use this because of my brain tumors and even with my prescription plan, it costs $100 each month ($250 without prescription participation). Without this stuff, I am dead. What a difference a democratic administration makes.

[OregonBlue]

1. Outrageous. Yes, what a difference.