Alabama Supreme Court rules in favor of Novartis Pharmaceuticals

Novartis Pharmaceuticals CorporationOct 20 2009

The Alabama Supreme Court today overturned a jury verdict against Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation (NPC), and directed entry of judgment in favor of NPC. NPC is pleased that the Alabama Supreme Court has found in our favor, which demonstrates that the State of Alabama's claims were unfounded. The State of Alabama had claimed that the prices provided by NPC to reporting services resulted in overpayment to pharmacists and doctors in the Alabama State Medicaid system, and a Montgomery County Circuit Court jury initially found NPC liable.

NPC was among 73 pharmaceutical manufacturers named in a lawsuit filed in 2005 by the Alabama Attorney General. Through the appeal process, NPC demonstrated that it reported true and accurate prices, based on terms that have been known and used by all participants in pharmaceuticals markets, including Alabama Medicaid, for more than 30 years.

"We're pleased by the Alabama Supreme Court's ruling today," said Ludwig Hantson, PhD, Head of Pharma North America, CEO, Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation. "NPC is committed to high ethical standards in the pricing, marketing and sale of all of our products."

NPC's mission is to help patients and provide access to medications that treat disease, ease suffering and improve people's lives. In 2008 alone, NPC provided approximately $4.1M in prescription drugs to over 2,100 low-income Alabamans through our Patient Assistance Program.