Attorney General Jackley Settles with Three Additional Generic Drug Companies on Price Fixing

South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley, joined by 45 states and territories, filed for court approval of three settlements with Ascend Laboratories, Citron Pharma, and Mayne Pharma resolving allegations that the generic drug manufacturers participated in a widespread, long-running conspiracy to artificially inflate and manipulate prices, reduce competition, and unreasonably restrain trade in numerous generic prescription drugs. The alleged conspiracy period spans May 2009 through December 2019. Mayne Pharma agreed to pay $650,000 to the states collectively; South Dakota's allocation is $462.73, with an additional $223.95directed to Medicaid. Ascend Laboratories agreed to pay $400,000 to the states collectively; South Dakota's allocation is $284.76, with $137.81 directed to Medicaid. Citron Pharma's settlement carries no monetary payment because the company has ceased business operations. All three companies agreed to injunctive terms requiring internal reforms designed to ensure fair competition and compliance with antitrust laws. South Dakota's monetary share is deposited into the Attorney General's Antitrust Fund, administered by the courts. Separately, funds are being allocated to consumers who purchased affected generic drugs during the conspiracy period. These settlements are part of a broader multi-state enforcement action. Prior settlements with Sandoz, Glenmark, Lannett, Bausch, Apotex, Heritage, and Heritage's parent company Emcure totaled $496.5 million. The first trial in the ongoing litigation is scheduled for February 2027 in Hartford, Connecticut.