Amgen Hit With Drug Monopoly Suit by Maryland Insurance Provider

Amgen Inc. is facing a proposed class action by a Maryland health insurance provider that claims the biotech giant holds a monopoly on the blockbuster autoimmune drug Enbrel and blocked competition from less expensive biosimilar versions.

Carefirst of Maryland Inc. alleges Amgen unlawfully delayed competition for Enbrel as part of a long-running scheme to build its monopoly power over the medication, “reaping billions in profits while denying purchasers and patients of the drug access to the lower prices they would have paid in a competitive market,” according to a complaint filed Tuesday in the US District Court for the Eastern ...