Sanofi, Novo Insulin Price Suit Advances With Trimmed Claims

Three major drugmakers persuaded a federal judge to drop antitrust claims in a case accusing them of overcharging for insulin while paying insurers kickbacks, but organized crime allegations are moving forward in court.

Claims under the federal racketeering law can proceed against Eli Lilly & Co., Novo Nordisk Inc., and Sanofi-Aventis because the plaintiffs plausibly alleged schemes of unlawful bribery and mail and wire fraud, which are predicate offenses covered under that law, Judge Brian R. Martinotti of the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey said in an unpublished opinion.

Express Scripts, CVS Health ...