Lawsuit alleging price-fixing of generic drugs points to Minnesota saleswoman

A pharmaceutical saleswoman in Minnesota was a key figure in a conspiracy by six generic drug manufacturers to curtail competition and raise prices, according to a lawsuit filed Thursday by the attorney generals of Minnesota and 19 other states.

The complaint says executives and salespeople for the companies arranged “Girls Night Out” and “Women in the Industry” meetings or dinners, which ultimately led to agreements to raise prices of the generic drug Glyburide for diabetes and the antibiotic Doxycycline Hyclate for infections.

The local saleswoman, who worked for Heritage Pharmaceuticals, “is central to the allegations,” said Minnesota Attorney General Lori Swanson. “She organized dinners and meetings among employees and competitors that led to further agreements to set prices and allocate markets so they could avoid competing on price.”

http://www.startribune.com/price-fixing-of-generic-drugs-alleged/406935446/