Attorney General James Helps Secure $49.1 Million from Drug Companies over Illegal Coordination to Inflate Prices

 

AG James and 49 Attorneys General Secure First Two Settlements in Ongoing Cases Against 30 Companies for Prescription Drug Price Fixing

New York Attorney General Letitia James joined a bipartisan multistate coalition of 50 attorneys general in announcing settlements with Heritage Pharmaceuticals (Heritage) and Apotex Inc. (Apotex) totaling $49.1 million for their roles in a massive, long-running scheme to artificially inflate and manipulate prices, reduce competition, and restrict trade for dozens of generic prescription drugs. The companies in the scheme, some of which increased prices by 1,000 percent, manufactured essential medications to treat diseases ranging from diabetes to cancer to ADHD. As part of the settlements, both companies have agreed to cooperate in ongoing multistate investigations against 30 corporate defendants and 25 individual executives. Both companies have also agreed to implement internal reforms to ensure fair competition and compliance with antitrust laws. 

“Affordable generic drugs are a lifeline for millions of New Yorkers who rely on them every day to treat everything from diabetes to heart conditions,” said Attorney General James. “The companies involved in this scheme engaged in a massive conspiracy to illegally coordinate prices, driving up costs for consumers as much as 1,000 percent. These two settlements will help enable the victims of this scheme to get compensation, and will hopefully ensure this type of illegal price fixing will not happen again. I thank my fellow attorneys general for their hard work and collaboration to protect consumers from this unfair anticompetitive conduct.” 

The settlements are the result of two lawsuits filed by the Office of the Attorney General and a coalition of attorneys general against some of the nation’s largest pharmaceutical companies. The first complaint, filed in 2016, included Heritage and 17 other corporate defendants, two individual defendants, and 15 generic drugs. Two former executives from Heritage Pharmaceuticals, Jeffrey Glazer and Jason Malek, have since entered into settlement agreements and are cooperating with the states’ investigations. The second complaint was filed in 2019 against Teva Pharmaceuticals and 19 of the nation’s largest generic drug manufacturers. The complaint names 16 individual senior executives as defendants. The third complaint was filed in 2020 against Sandoz and 18 other of the nation’s largest generic drug manufacturers, in addition to 10 individual defendants.

The lawsuits allege these companies engaged in a broad, coordinated, and systematic conspiracy to fix prices, avoid competition, and rig bids for more than 100 different generic drugs. The companies maintained an interconnected web of industry executives where these competitors met with each other during industry dinners, "girls’ nights out," lunches, cocktail parties, and golf outings, and communicated via frequent telephone calls, emails, and text messages that sowed the seeds for their illegal agreements. Defendants used terms like "fair share," "playing nice in the sandbox," and "responsible competitor" to describe how they unlawfully discouraged competition, raised prices, and enforced an ingrained culture of collusion. 

The drugs included in the scheme span all types, including tablets, capsules, creams, and ointments; and classes, including antibiotics, anti-depressants, contraceptives, and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. They treat a range of diseases and conditions from basic infections to diabetes, cancer, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, HIV, ADHD, and more. In some instances, the coordinated price increases were over 1,000 percent. Digoxin, an essential heart medication manufactured by Heritage, tripled in price, causing patients to pay hundreds of dollars more for the drug. 

The cases stem from an investigation built on evidence from several cooperating witnesses at the core of the conspiracy, a massive database of over 20 million documents, and a phone records database containing millions of call detail records and contact information for over 600 sales and pricing individuals in the generics industry. 

A motion for preliminary approval of the $10 million settlement with Heritage was filed yesterday in the United States District Court for the District of Connecticut in Hartford. A settlement with Apotex for $39.1 million is contingent upon obtaining signatures from all necessary states and territories and will be finalized and filed in the U.S. District Court.  

Consumers who purchased a generic prescription drug manufactured by either Heritage or Apotex between 2010 and 2018 may be eligible for compensation. To determine your eligibility, call 1-866-290-0182, email info@AGGenericDrugs.com or visit www.AGGenericDrugs.com.

Joining Attorney General James in announcing the settlements are the attorneys general of Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming, the District of Columbia, Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. 

These settlements are the latest example of Attorney General James taking action to stop companies from engaging in anticompetitive conduct and harming New Yorkers. In May, Attorney General James joined 40 other states and the Department of Justice in suing Live Nation and Ticketmaster for monopolizing the live music industry. In October 2023, Attorney General James secured $4.5 million from one of the nation’s largest title insurance companies for using illegal no-poach agreements with competitors to keep employees from switching jobs. Attorney General James has now ended the use of no-poach agreements by the five largest commercial underwriters in the United States, including First American, Fidelity, Old Republic, Stewart, and Amtrust. In 2022, Attorney General James sued a ski resort company in Syracuse for buying its main competitor and shutting it down in order to monopolize the local market. 

NYCHCC - Puerto Rico Trade Mission - Full Itinerary For Puerto Rico

 

To Our Guest

We Welcome you to Our

It is with great pleasure and enthusiasm that we extend a heartfelt welcome to each and every one of you to the Puerto Rico Trade Mission Conference. We are honored to have such a distinguished group of individuals gathered here today, representing a diverse range of industries and expertise.

Our comprehensive itinerary for this excursion is provided below. Certain components of our itinerary necessitate registration for our numerous workshops, which can be conveniently completed within this itinerary itself to secure your participation.

Full Itinerary

NY’s Responsible Play Partnership Announces Additional Collaborative Measures to Prevent Problem Gambling

 

Gaming Commission proposes regulations requiring mobile sports wagering operators to report statistics and demographic info

New York State’s Responsible Play Partnership (RPP) – the New York State Gaming Commission (Commission), the New York State Office of Addiction Services and Supports (OASAS), and the New York Council on Problem Gambling (NYCPG) –  announced significant collaborative measures to prevent problem gambling.

The RPP’s latest actions include providing prompt counseling to gamblers who find themselves in crisis, ensuring that gaming industry workers are properly trained to identify and interact with potential problem gamblers, and collecting specific data from mobile sports wagering operators to better research its impact on New Yorkers.

RPP members discussed the enhancements at del Lago Resort & Casino in Waterloo, where local problem gambling service providers and facility management shared resources and discussed their collaboration to provide services in the Finger Lakes and Central New York regions. 

Commission Executive Director Robert Williams said, “The RPP was formed to bridge the gaps between all stakeholders to address problem gambling. These latest spans bring timely help to those who need it, ensure that industry employees know how to address the issue, and ensure that we are obtaining meaningful data to properly scope mobile sports wagering’s reach.” 

OASAS Commissioner Dr. Chinazo Cunningham said, “New York State has instituted protections to guard against problem gambling, as well as help individuals affected find the help they need. We will continue to work with our colleagues in the Responsible Play Partnership to expand and enhance these supports, improve training on how to promote responsible gambling, and ensure that all New Yorkers can access help and support.”

NYCPG Executive Director Jim Maney said, “Casino industry staff are the front line when it comes to problem gambling and ensuring they are well trained to identify those who are struggling and offer the proper assistance is key.  After several months of collaborative development with OASAS and the Gaming Commission we are proud to release this comprehensive, online and on demand training to all casino staff in New York State.”

Seneca County Director of Community Services Margaret Morse said, “Seneca County would like to commend del Lago for their commitment to community prevention efforts, responsible play messaging and support for treatment access to individuals impacted by problem gambling. We look forward to our continued partnership in these efforts.”

Finger Lakes Problem Gambling Resource Council Program Manager Evan Ellison said, “The Finger Lakes PGRC was proud to be part of this RPP event. Helping those who have been negatively impacted by problem gambling on a local level creates positive outcomes for both our families and communities. We look forward to our continued work together to ensure our efforts are meaningful.”

del Lago Resort & Casino General Manager and Executive Vice President Lance Young said, “del Lago staff is dedicated to delivering world-class hospitality, and ensuring our guests have access to responsible gaming resources is a pillar of that. Across our entertainment facilities, our team strives to provide the level of personal service that allows them to recognize the signs of problem behavior and connect guests with the resources that can help. We thank our state and local partners for their work with us to promote responsible play and provide support for those who need it.”

Voluntary Self-Exclusion with HOPELine Opt-In Function

New York State’s Voluntary Self-Exclusion program allows an individual to bar themselves from participating in any regulated gaming in the state. Beginning November 12, 2024, when an individual self-excludes from gaming opportunities in New York State, they may opt-in to being contacted in a timely manner by a trained gambling harms staff from the OASAS HOPEline. All calls are free and confidential.

Updated Problem Gambling Training for Gaming Employees

The NYCPG has completed new, comprehensive training to educate those who work in New York State’s gaming industry on best practices to promote responsible gaming. The NYCPG’s training program identifies the symptoms, evidence and warning signs of problem gambling behavior, and how to interact with individuals who may be in crisis. The training also includes an overview of the applicable statutes and regulations, as well as findings from OASAS research.

Mobile Sports Wagering Data Collection Rulemaking

The Commission and OASAS are required to report annually on “the impact of mobile sports wagering on problem gamblers in New York, including, to the extent practicable, an analysis of demographics which are disproportionately impacted by the problem gambling.” The Commission and OASAS found the 2022 and 2023 reports that several mobile sports wagering operators have not consistently maintained such information in a manner to appropriately gauge which populations are participating in mobile sports wagering and how they wager.

Therefore, the Commission proposed regulations requiring sports wagering operators to report specific data to the Commission each year, including: Total amount wagered and number of bets placed; Total amount and number of bets won; Total amount wagered on each sport; Total number of accounts, including new accounts created and average account balances; and the total number of accounts permanently closed and the number of self-exclusions

For each account, the proposed regulations require each sports wagering skin to provide to the Commission: The zip code; Total amount wagered; Number of bets placed; Money won or lost; Time on the platform; Number of times they access the responsible play webpage; Number of times they reach the statutory deposit betting-pause threshold and what action the player took; and the day of the week and hour of day the most wagers are placed and most money is wagered. The proposed regulation also requires operators to provide account holders’ gender and race and ethnicity, if voluntarily provided. Text of the rule may be found here.

About the Responsible Play Partnership

The RPP was formed to bring all stakeholders together to address problem gambling, including bridging the gap between gaming facility operators and problem gambling treatment providers. The RPP works to ensure that all gaming entities in the state comply with all rules and regulations and provide access to help for individuals who need it. The RPP continues to collaborate to advance New York’s ongoing commitment to prevent and treat problem gambling.

Those seeking help can call New York State’s free and confidential HOPEline 24/7 at 1-877-8- HOPENY (1-877-846-7369) or text HOPENY (467369).

“Making History” Symposium to Be Held at Philipse Manor Hall

 

Panel Discussions to Highlight New York State’s Vital Role in American Revolution, Historic Efforts to End Slavery, and Important Work to Preserve State History Through the National Register

The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation (OPRHP) is pleased to announce, “Making History: Revolution, Abolition, and Preservation in New York State,” an all-day symposium held on Saturday, November 16, 2024, from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at Philipse Manor Hall State Historic Site (29 Warburton Ave., Yonkers, NY) and simulcast online.

This program will highlight the work of the Division for Historic Preservation, including New York State Historic Sites, the Bureau of Historic Sites, and the State Historic Preservation Office on New York State’s Our Whole History initiative. The symposium will include panel discussions on the state’s research and plans for the 250^th anniversary of the Revolutionary War; the 400^th anniversary of the first enslaved people in New York (1626-2026) and the 200^th anniversary of the abolition of legal slavery in New York State (1827-2027); and community preservation services and opportunities, including information on the State and National Registers of Historic Places. “Making History” is part of the New York State Parks Centennial celebrations.

“Those invested in New York State history, interpretation and museum studies, and community preservation should not miss ‘Making History,’ a day of education and discussion curated by State Parks’ phenomenal Division for Historic Preservation staff,” said New York State Parks Commissioner Pro Tempore Randy Simons. “Our 2024 Centennial year marks the beginning of a new era of New York State Parks where we look to the future and ensure that we support the next generation of park and historic site staff and visitors. Events like this are fully aligned with that mission.”

The panel “Revolution & Our Whole History” will discuss state plans for the 250^th anniversary and highlight new research and perspectives from state historic sites around the state. Speakers include Sarah Wassberg Johnson of Philipse Manor Hall State Historic Site, who will discuss the Philipsburgh Proclamation, Black Loyalists, and the Westchester neutral zone; and Ian Mumpton of Johnson Hall State Historic Site, who will discuss the role of Sir William Johnson and the Brant family in the Revolution.

The panel “Abolition & Our Whole History” will discuss slavery in colonial New York, gradual emancipation and the 1827 abolition of legal slavery in New York, and statewide projects surrounding the anniversary. Speakers include Michael Lord of Philipse Manor Hall State Historic Site, who will discuss slavery and slave laws in colonial New York; Jessica Serfilippi of Schuyler Mansion State Historic Site, who will discuss recent research on slavery at Schuyler Mansion; and Lavada Nahon, Interpreter of African American History for New York State, who will discuss legislation leading up to and the impact of abolition in New York as well as Our Whole History projects around Abolition throughout the state.

For “Preservation & Our Whole History,” Cordell Reaves, Historic Preservation Programs Coordinator, and Leslie Krupa, Historic Preservation Program Analyst, will discuss efforts to reassess old and assess new National Register nominations as part of the Our Whole History initiative, as well as community programs of the State Historic Preservation Office.

Each panel discussion will include time for audience Q&A.

The symposium will end with a special tour, “Our Whole History & Philipse Manor Hall,” where attendees can tour the museum exhibits and discuss with staff the thought process, research, and design process behind the new exhibits, programs, and interpretation at Philipse Manor Hall State Historic Site.

“Making History: Revolution, Abolition, and Preservation in New York State” is open to the public. In-person seating is limited, and tickets are required. Tickets are $40 per person and include refreshments and lunch as well as admission to Philipse Manor Hall State Historic Site. “Making History” will be simulcast via WebEx. Virtual access is free, but registration is required.

To learn more, and to register, visit www.philipsemanorhall.com/programs-and-events/making-history.

About Our Whole History

The Our Whole History initiative seeks to reveal and share historically undertold stories of ordinary and extraordinary New Yorkers across the state. By providing multiple perspectives on historic places and events, New York State Historic Sites and Parks encourage the general public to take a deeper look at our state’s history, learn more about the people who got us where we are today, and embrace the heritage of all New Yorkers.

The Our Whole History initiative dates back as early as the 1980s, when the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation (OPRHP) sought to expand and deepen the public’s understanding of New York State history, including the construction and opening of Ganondagan State Historic Site. Codified in a State of the State address in 2020, Our Whole History has since been the driving force behind several recent and upcoming projects for OPRHP, including the renovation of Philipse Manor Hall State Historic Site, which reopened in 2022; the opening of new exhibits at Washington’s Headquarters State Historic Site, Clermont State Historic Site, and Crailo State Historic Site; the acquisition and opening of new state parks, including Sojourner Truth State Park; the renovation of existing state parks, such as the Shirley Chisholm State Park and Marsha P. Johnson State Park; and statewide endeavors like the Revolutionary War 250 kiosk project.

About Philipse Manor Hall State Historic Site

Philipse Manor Hall State Historic Site, located at 29 Warburton Ave., Yonkers, NY, 10701, is open for tours Wednesdays through Sundays, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Dating back to the 1680s, Philipse Manor Hall State Historic Site sits near the confluence of the Nepperhan (Saw Mill) and Hudson Rivers, the site of a Munsee Lunaape village. Used by four generations of the Philipse family and worked by the people they enslaved as well as European tenant farmers, the Philipse Manor was once over 200,000 acres and helped make the Philipse family the richest in New York. Loyalists during the American Revolution, they fled to England and the Hall was owned by several individuals before becoming the Yonkers Village Hall and later Yonkers City Hall. When a new City Hall was built in the early 20th century, the house was preserved through the generosity of Eva Smith Cochran and donated to New York State to serve as a historic site. Today, Philipse Manor Hall State Historic Site provides visitors with a balanced approach to interpreting the lives of Indigenous, European, and African people to understand the complex relationships that took place at the Manor from the earliest days of the Dutch Colony of New Netherland to the American Revolution and beyond. Learn more at Philipse Manor Hall's Virtual Wing at www.philipsemanorhall.com.

The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation oversees more than 250 parks, historic sites, recreational trails, golf courses, boat launches and more, which saw a record 84 million visits in 2023. For more information on any of these recreation areas, visit parks.ny.gov, download the free NY State Parks Explorer app or call 518.474.0456. Join us in celebrating our Centennial throughout 2024, and connect with us on Facebook, Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), and the OPRHP Blog.

Wave Hill Weekly Events: Nov 14 – Nov 28 | Meet Artist Judy Pfaff, Nighthunters Owl Adventure

 

Wave Hill will be open on Election Day! Come for a garden tour or just find a peaceful retreat.  

 

We will also be open Monday, Nov 11 for Veteran’s Day. 

 

Our shortened winter hours begin on Nov 1 – Wave Hill will be open 10AM–4:30PM, Tuesday–Sunday. 

  

 

Family Art Project: Bridge Building Bonanza 

Sat, Nov 16, 10:00AM – 1:00PM   

Sun, Nov 17, 10:00AM – 1:00PM 

Free with admission to the grounds  

Registration not required 

 

Wave Hill has a majestic view of the George Washington Bridge, an important and historic part of our city. Discover the design and engineering secrets behind such amazing structures. Then, put your newfound knowledge to the test as we build bridges together.  

At 11:30am families can enjoy a storytime program in the Gund Theater, all ages welcome. 

  

 

Meet the Artist: Judy Pfaff 

Sat, Nov 16, 2:00PM – 3:00PM 

Free with admission to the grounds  

Registration encouraged 

 

Join us for an artist-led exhibition walk-through in Glyndor Gallery. Judy Pfaff will discuss the sculptures, drawings, and site-specific installation she has on display. In conversation with Director of Arts and Chief Curator Gabriel de Guzman, Pfaff will describe her working process and sources of inspiration for her nature-themed solo exhibition. “Meet the Artist” is an ongoing series of conversations and programs between exhibiting artists and curatorial team members at Wave Hill. The program provides an opportunity for Wave Hill visitors, the artist’s community and others to learn more about an artist’s creative process and the themes that shape their work. 

  

 

Night Out at Wave Hill: Nighthunters Owl Adventure 

Sat, Nov 16 4:30PM –  8:30PM 

$65, including admission to the grounds; $50 for Wave Hill Members. 

Registration encouraged 

 

Spend the evening at Wave Hill during an exclusive after-hours encounter! Meander the grounds on a sunset nature walk, meet live owls during an exciting presentation in Armor Hall and enjoy a rollicking session of bird trivia with prizes for the winning teams.  Ages 21+ 

  

 

Family Art Project: Whimsical Windchimes 

Sat, Nov 23, 10:00AM – 1:00PM   

Sun, Nov 24, 10:00AM – 1:00PM 

Free with admission to the grounds  

Registration not required 

 

As the days grow colder and gusts of air shake the trees, harness the power of wind with your very own windchime. Learn about their importance in gardens and their rich history in different cultures. Use upcycled materials to create your own windchime and listen to its unique music float on the autumn breeze.    

  

 

WINTER HOURS STARTING NOV 1: 10AM–4:30PM, Tuesday–Sunday 

Shuttle Service Free from Subway and Metro-North, Thursday–Sunday 

Information at 718.549.3200. On the web at wavehill.org.