Colorado slated to receive $2.1M from nationwide settlement with Sandoz over illegal generic drug price hikes and collusion

Colorado slated to receive $2.1M from nationwide settlement with Sandoz over illegal generic drug price hikes and collusion

Oct. 1, 2026 (DENVER) - Attorney General Phil Weiser today joined a coalition of 43 states and territories seeking court approval of a $469 million settlement with Sandoz Inc. and Fougera Pharmaceuticals Inc. to resolve allegations that the generic drug manufacturers engaged in a widespread, long-running conspiracy to artificially inflate and manipulate prices, reduce competition, and unreasonably restrain trade with regard to numerous generic prescription drugs.

The states previously announced a settlement in principle on August 3. All 43 states and territories have since signed onto the agreement and a motion for preliminary approval of the settlement will be filed today in the U.S. District Court for the District of Connecticut in Hartford. Colorado's share of the settlement is $2,156,456.

"For years, Sandoz colluded with other pharmaceutical companies to unlawfully stifle competition and raise prices for generic drugs that millions of people take to treat common infections and diseases. The companies' deep-seated culture of collusion cheated Coloradans and the prices they pay for important medications. This settlement is a step toward protecting consumers and making sure that generic drug prices are set in a competitive market and not illegal anticompetitive conduct," said Attorney General Weiser.

Under the terms of this agreement, Sandoz will pay a total of approximately $469 million to settle the claims brought by the states. The settlement will also resolve allegations that Sandoz Inc.'s past and present international affiliates, Novartis AG, Sandoz AG, and Sandoz Group AG, participated in the alleged anticompetitive conduct and fraudulently transferred assets in order to avoid liability. As part of the settlement, Sandoz has agreed to meaningful reforms to ensure fair competition and compliance with antitrust laws.

The Sandoz settlement follows settlements with Glenmark, Lannett, Bausch, Apotex and Heritage, and Heritage's parent company, Emcure, totaling $96.5 million. This latest settlement comes as the states prepare for the first trial to be held in Hartford, Conn. in February 2027.

Consumers who purchased a generic prescription drug between May 2009 and December 2019, may be eligible for compensation. To determine eligibility or submit a claim, consumers can call 1-866-290-0182 (Toll-Free), email [email protected] or visit https://www.AGGenericDrugs.com (opens new tab).

States and territories joining this settlement with Sandoz include: Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Northern Mariana Islands, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Tennessee, U.S. Virgin Islands, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.

Read the settlement agreement (PDF).

###

Media Contact:
Lawrence Pacheco
Chief Communications Officer
(720) 508-6553 office
[email protected]