Merck Gets Mixed Rulings in Cholesterol-Reducing Drug Litigation

New Jersey-based Merck & Co. Inc. convinced a federal judge to nix monopolization claims brought by two health-care companies that allege the drugmaker illegally delayed the generic versions of a cholesterol-lowering drug, but it must face some state-law claims.

The Thursday rulings by Judge Brian R. Martinotti of the US District Court for the District of New Jersey granted Merck’s motion to dismiss monopolistic scheme claims by Centene Corp. and Humana Inc.

He also dismissed their conspiracy to restrain trade claims, along with allegations that the company engaged in sham litigation to extend its monopoly over the cholesterol drug Zetia. ...