Utah joins 44 states in lawsuit against big pharma companies

Utah is the 45th state to join a lawsuit alleging large pharmaceutical companies conspired to raise prices on generic medications by as much as 1,000%.

Attorney General Sean D. Reyes announced Monday the state would be joining the lawsuit against Teva Pharmaceuticals and 19 of the country’s largest generic drug manufacturers.

The lawsuit claims industry executives met with each other to unlawfully discourage competition. State attorneys say emails and telephone records reflect a multi-year conspiracy to fix prices and divide the market share for generic drugs. The drugs listed are used to treat a range of medical conditions including diabetes, cancer and epilepsy.

A representative for Teva Pharmaceuticals did not immediately respond to a request for comment.