For Immediate Release
Date: June 02, 2023

Contact

Michael S. Garrity, Director of Communications
(603) 931-9375 | michael.s.garrity@doj.nh.gov
Zach Frish Attorney, Attorney Consumer Protection and Antitrust Bureau
(603) 271-2150 | Zachary.A.Frish@doj.nh.gov

Attorney General Formella Announces $102.5 Million Settlement with Suboxone Maker for Alleged Illegal Monopoly Tactics

Concord, NH – Attorney General John M. Formella announces that 42 states have negotiated a nationwide $102.5 million settlement with the maker of Suboxone, Indivior Inc. New Hampshire will receive approximately $896,400 as a part of the settlement.

“Indivior’s unlawful tactics hurt people in need by artificially increasing the cost of a crucial product used to treat addiction,” said Attorney General Formella. “As Indivior tried to preserve its monopoly over Suboxone, the company made it more expensive and challenging to treat opioid addiction. Added costs were passed directly to taxpayers and people trying to get help. Indivior’s illegal actions truly put profits ahead of people, and with this settlement we are holding them accountable and obtaining significant relief for our citizens.”

In 2016 the States filed a complaint against Indivior Inc. alleging that the company used illegal means to switch the Suboxone market from tablets to film while attempting to destroy the market for tablets, in order to preserve its drug monopoly.  Trial had been set for September 2023.

The agreement, which will be submitted to the court in the Eastern District of Pennsylvania for approval, requires Indivior to pay the states $102.5 million. Indivior is also required to comply with negotiated injunctive terms that include disclosures to the States of all citizen petitions to the FDA, introduction of new products, or if there is a change in corporate control, which will help the States ensure that Indivior refrains from engaging in the same kind of conduct alleged in the complaint.