Major Insulin Manufacturers, Pharmacy Benefit Managers Involved in Deceptive Pricing Scheme: Lawsuit Alleges Unethical Tactics for Maximizing Profits at Patients’ Expense

A recent lawsuit filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of Connecticut accuses major insulin manufacturers and pharmacy benefit managers of engaging in a deceptive pricing scheme. The complaint, brought forth by the Connecticut Health Benefits Fund, alleges that Eli Lilly and Co., Novo Nordisk Inc., and Sanofi-Aventis US LLC inflated list prices for diabetes drugs through collusion with PBMs such as CVS Caremark, Express Scripts, and OptumRk.

The lawsuit suggests that these companies engaged in deceptive tactics to maximize profits at the expense of patients and health insurance providers. The plaintiffs argue that these actions violated antitrust laws and were harmful to those who rely on insulin to manage their diabetes. As a result, International Union of Operating Engineers, Local Health Benefit Fund No. 478 seeks damages and restitution for overpayments caused by this alleged pricing scheme.