Takeda, Generic Drug Makers Escape Class Antitrust Claims

Value Drug Co. can’t represent other colchicine purchasers in a class action alleging that Takeda Pharmaceuticals USA Inc. and other generic drug makers violated antitrust laws by shutting out competition for the gout medication, a federal judge in Pennsylvania ruled.

Value based its arguments on the expert opinion of an economist to show antitrust impact across all similarly situated colchicine purchasers, but the court can’t assume facts to support a theory like an economist, Judge Mark A. Kearney of the US District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania said.

“We base our decisions based on facts in evidence,” Kearney ...