Fw: Montana Sues 18 Drug Companies

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Sent: Tuesday, February 26, 2002 11:34 PM

Subject: Montana Sues 18 Drug Companies

Montana Sues 18 Drug Companies

Tue Feb 26, 4:42 PM ET HELENA, Mont. - Montana's attorney general is suing 18 major drug companies, accusing them of an illegal scheme that inflated prices and cost the state and consumers tens of millions of dollars. By exaggerating the wholesale prices of some drugs, the companies guaranteed that large buying groups that purchase drugs for hospitals and clinics receive windfalls when reimbursed by government health care programs, Attorney General Mike McGrath said. The 45-page complaint, filed in state District Court Monday, said the financial incentive to buyers increased companies' sales. The suit alleges the drug makers engaged in unfair and deceptive trade practices, Medicaid fraud and racketeering, and asks for unspecified restitution and punitive damages. Several companies declined comment, saying they had not seen the complaint. Montana's suit mirrors one filed by Nevada in January. The lawsuits are partly based on findings from an investigation of drug makers by the federal government gigi http://story.news./news?tmpl=story & cid=534 & u=/ap/20020226/ap_on_re_us/brf_drugs_lawsuit_1