Becton Dickinson Syringe Monopoly Suit Revived by Appeals Court

Becton Dickinson & Co. must face revived claims that it conspired with distribution intermediaries like wholesalers and “group purchasing organizations” to monopolize the market for certain syringes and IV catheters, the Seventh Circuit ruled Thursday.

The antitrust lawsuit accuses Becton of bribing two purchasing groups with bogus administrative fees to include anti-competitive terms—such as penalties for failing to hit volume thresholds—in its contracts with individual buyers like hospitals and medical practices.

In addition to Becton and the bulk buyers, it targets distributors affiliated with Cardinal Health Inc., McKesson Corp., Owens & Minor Inc., and Henry Schein Inc. ...