For Your Information
FTC Approves Final Order Preserving Competition in Four Generic Drug Markets
Following a public comment period, the Federal Trade Commission has approved a final order settling charges that Actavis plc’s acquisition of Forest Laboratories, Inc. would likely be anticompetitive.
Under the order, first announced in June 2014, the companies have agreed to relinquish their current rights to market generic diltiazem hydrochloride extended release capsules (AB4), which are used to treat hypertension and chronic stable angina; generic ursodiol tablets used to treat primary biliary cirrhosis of the liver; and generic propranolol hydrochloride extended release capsules used to treat hypertension. The companies also will relinquish future marketing rights for generic lamotrigine orally disintegrating tablets, which are used to treat seizures.
The Commission vote approving the final order was 5-0. (FTC File No. 1410098; the staff contact is Christine L. Tasso, Bureau of Competition, 202-326-2232)
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