Up against the law: Hoechst faces antitrust suit

Article Abstract:

Andrx Phamaceuticals and Hoechst Marion Roussel are jointly battling an antitrust lawsuit filed by a Cardizem CD user in Michigan on behalf of all purchases of the product in that state. The lawsuit, which was filed on September 4, 1998, seeks declaratory and injunctive relief under Michigan law. Two other lawsuits pursuing the same legal goals were also filed in Barbout, AL; and San Francisco, CA. In the Michigan lawsuit, Andrx Pharmaceuticals is charged with accepting $40 million in annual payments from Hoechst Marion Roussel to keep out of the US market when marketing its generic version of Cardizem CD which already received FDA approval. The agreement between the two firms prevents angina and hypertension patients from receiving treatment at a fair price.

Product development, Geographic, Consumer Attitudes, Antihypertensives NEC, Antihypertensive agents, Hoechst Marion Roussel, Andrx Pharmaceuticals Inc., Cardizem CD

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$1 billion-a-year drug still has its own problems

Article Abstract:

Pfizer has encountered setbacks with its anti-impotence medication called Viagra despite predictions that it will post $1 billion in sales during the first year alone, indicated IMS Health. Viagra already snared around $260 million in sales over three months. The FDA has been looking into complications or fatalities resulting from consumption of Viagra. The Public Citizen group run by Ralph Nader is seeking amendments of labeling for the drug. The drug's potential side effects convinced Humana Inc. and Prudential HealthCare not to reimburse those who take Viagra. Health maintenance organizations will not cover the expense of the drug. Medicaid programs of Wisconsin and New York will not cover Viagra either.

Product information, Prostate Disorder Preparations, Pfizer Ltd., Prostate agents

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Merck settles with FTC on Medco antitrust inquiry - will it impact FDA regs?

Article Abstract:

Merck & Co. secured the status of operational independence for its pharmacy benefit management subsidiary Merck-Medco via an agreement with the Federal Trade Commission that is conducting an antitrust investigation, stated the PBM company's president Per G.H. Loftberg. Loftberg explained that Merck is trying to guarantee the confidentiality of competitive data while the commission wants to promote competition. Loftberg noted that the Medco unit has been able to hike the number of subscribers covered to over 51 million for a 34% increase. At the same time, Medco has also improved its expenditures for its clients to over $12 billion, stated Loftberg.

Company Planning/Goals, Pharmaceutical Preparations, Parent-to-subsidiary activities, Subsidiary-to-parent activities, Drugs, Merck & Company Inc.

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