Indivior, the manufacturer of Suboxone, has reached a $385 million settlement to resolve a prolonged antitrust lawsuit, marking a significant step towards concluding over a decade of legal battles. The lawsuit, filed by a group of direct purchasers of the opioid use disorder drug, accused Indivior of unlawfully attempting to monopolize opioid addiction treatment with its Suboxone film drug. This settlement aims to address these claims and provide closure to all multidistrict litigation against the company.
Key Points:
- Antitrust Litigation Resolution: The $385 million settlement represents a significant milestone in resolving the antitrust claims against Indivior. This agreement comes after years of legal proceedings and is subject to approval by the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. The settlement effectively cancels an antitrust trial previously scheduled for October 30.
- Focus on Patient Care: Indivior’s CEO, Mark Crossley, emphasized the company’s commitment to patient care amidst legal challenges. He highlighted the importance of providing certainty for stakeholders and reaffirmed Indivior’s dedication to addressing opioid use disorder and mental health illnesses worldwide.
- Suboxone Dental Injury Lawsuits: While resolving antitrust claims, Indivior continues to face litigation over allegations that Suboxone use can lead to dental problems. Users have reported severe tooth decay while using the film version of Suboxone, prompting a growing number of dental injury lawsuits against the company.
- Suboxone Composition and FDA Warning: Suboxone contains buprenorphine and naloxone, designed to aid in opioid addiction recovery by reducing withdrawal symptoms and blocking opioid receptors. However, after 20 years on the market, the FDA issued a warning about potential dental problems associated with buprenorphine use, highlighting the need for caution among users.
- Eligibility for Lawsuits: Individuals who were prescribed dissolvable Suboxone tablets or films for at least six months and experienced dental problems may be eligible to file a lawsuit against Indivior. Dental injuries linked to Suboxone use include cavities, gum injuries, tongue injuries, tooth decay, fractures, or loss.
- Indivior’s Antitrust Activities: Indivior was accused of engaging in anticompetitive conduct to maintain market dominance with Suboxone. Allegations included strategies to discourage generic competition and force patients to switch from tablets to film by raising tablet prices and discontinuing tablet products. Previous settlements and legal actions have addressed these claims, with Indivior paying substantial amounts to resolve related lawsuits.
The resolution of the antitrust lawsuit and ongoing dental injury claims against Indivior underscores the importance of accountability and patient safety in the pharmaceutical industry. As legal proceedings progress, affected individuals are encouraged to seek legal counsel to understand their rights and pursue appropriate recourse.
