Drug Distributors Get Insulin Price-Fixing Suits Consolidated

Three drug distributors got a federal judge in New Jersey to consolidate claims that Eli Lilly & Co., Novo Nordisk Inc., and Sanofi-Aventis overcharge for insulin while paying insurers kickbacks, but a similar price-fixing case brought by consumers will remain separate.

“The benefits of judicial economy far outweigh any concerns regarding new delays, expenses, confusion, or prejudice,” Judge Brian R. Martinotti wrote, granting an unopposed request to hear the proposed “direct purchaser” class actions together.

The same can’t be said for coordinating those lawsuits with the consumer case, Martinotti found, noting that they’re “at substantially different stages ...