10/13/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 10/13/2026 12:35
Tennessee Attorney General Jonathan Skrmetti announced that Tennessee has joined a coalition of 45 states and territories seeking court approval of settlements with three generic drug manufacturers-Ascend Laboratories, Citron Pharma and Mayne Pharma. The settlements resolve allegations that the companies participated in a widespread conspiracy to artificially inflate prices, reduce competition, and restrain trade involving generic prescription drugs.
Under the proposed settlements, Ascend will pay $400,000 to the States and Mayne will pay $650,000. Citron's settlement includes strong injunctive terms that apply should the company reenter the generic drugs business. All three companies have agreed to internal reforms designed to promote compliance with antitrust laws and protect competition.
"These pharmaceutical companies conspired to drive up the cost of prescription drugs at the expense of Tennessee families," said Attorney General Jonathan Skrmetti. "That's illegal and we're glad to hold them accountable. These settlements demonstrate our continued commitment to ensuring that Tennessee consumers enjoy the lower prices that inevitably happen when companies compete with each other."
The settlements are the latest in a series of multistate actions involving alleged anticompetitive conduct in the generic drug industry. The States previously reached settlements with Sandoz, Glenmark, Lannett, Bausch, Apotex, and Heritage Pharmaceuticals, as well as Heritage's parent company, Emcure, totaling $496.5 million.
The States are preparing for the first trial in the litigation, scheduled for February 2027 in Hartford, Connecticut.
CONSUMERS MAY BE ELIGIBLE FOR COMPENSATION
Consumers who purchased certain generic prescription drugs in the United States between May 2009 and December 2019 may be eligible for compensation. To determine eligibility and learn more about the settlements, consumers can:
The coalition includes Tennessee and 44 other states and territories.