Biogen Can’t Escape Amended Antitrust Suit Over MS Drug

By Editorial Team

Biogen Inc. is set to face health plans’ allegations of bribery towards pharmacy benefit managers to hinder competition from generics for its multiple sclerosis drug Tecfidera. An Illinois federal judge ruled on Wednesday that the plans’ updated complaint in their consolidated antitrust litigation addresses her previous concerns with the pleadings.

The ruling signifies a significant development in the legal battle surrounding Biogen’s conduct in the pharmaceutical market. The company will now have to defend itself against the accusations brought by the health plans regarding its business practices related to Tecfidera.

The case, which involves complex antitrust and competition law issues, has attracted attention from legal experts and industry stakeholders. The amended complaint appears to have strengthened the claims against Biogen, leading to the judge’s decision to allow the case to proceed.

Legal teams representing both sides, including firms such as Cohen Milstein, Glancy Prongay, Hilliard Shadowen, Jones Day, Sherrard Roe, and Sperling Kenny, are gearing up for what is expected to be a closely watched legal battle.

Biogen Inc. and the other parties involved in the case, including Illinois Brick Co., are now preparing to navigate the complexities of the legal process as the litigation moves forward in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois.

The outcome of this case could have far-reaching implications for the pharmaceutical industry, particularly concerning competition in the market for multiple sclerosis drugs. Legal analysts anticipate that the proceedings will shed light on the practices of pharmaceutical companies and their interactions with pharmacy benefit managers.