Over 40 States Settle Suboxone Antitrust Suit For $102M

The manufacturer of Suboxone has agreed on a settlement of $102.5 million with 41 states and the District of Columbia. The settlement resolves allegations of anticompetitive practices by the company.

According to Reuters, an agreement with Indivior of North Chesterfield, Virginia has prevented a trial that was scheduled to begin later this year.

Several states, including Wisconsin, have accused the company (formerly a subsidiary of Reckitt Benckiser Pharmaceuticals) of making minor alterations to Suboxone in order to prolong patent protection and prevent the introduction of generic versions of the drug.

Related: Suboxone Manufacturer Must Face Antitrust Suit Brought By 42 States

Suboxone is a combination of buprenorphine and naloxone, and is a unique case separate from other opioid manufacturers who are being sued by governments for their contribution to the nationwide overdose crisis. These lawsuits have resulted in settlements exceeding $50 billion thus far.

As part of the agreement, Indivior is obligated to inform the states of any alterations to their products or shifts in corporate management.

The company stated that resolving the legal dispute will enable it to concentrate on its objectives.

In 2019, Reckitt Benckiser reached an agreement with the federal government to pay $1.4 billion to address potential criminal and civil liability related to its Suboxone business.