Parker Waichman LLP

Lawsuits Claim Astellas Pharma Schemed to Hold on to Prograf Monopoly

Astellas Pharma Inc. could come to regret its attempts to delay generic versions of Prograf, its immuno-suppressant drug, from coming to market. Several antitrust lawsuits have been filed against Astellas claiming a 2007 petition it filed with the Food & Drug Administration (FDA) was merely an attempt to hold onto its Prograf monopoly. Prograf (tacrolimus) […]

Astellas Pharma Inc. could come to regret its attempts to delay generic versions of <"https://www.yourlawyer.com/topics/overview/Astellas-Prograf-Antitrust-Lawsuit-Illegal-Delay-Generic-Version">Prograf, its immuno-suppressant drug, from coming to market. Several antitrust lawsuits have been filed against Astellas claiming a 2007 petition it filed with the Food & Drug Administration (FDA) was merely an attempt to hold onto its Prograf monopoly.

Prograf (tacrolimus) was brought to market in 1997 and is used to prevent rejection in heart, liver or kidney transplant patients. The brand name version of the drug runs around $1,500 per month, and it had been a big money maker for Astellas.

One Astellas Prograf antitrust lawsuit alleges that “Astellas was keenly aware that it would lose a substantial amount of its sales of Prograf very quickly once AB-rated generics came to market.” In 2007, faced with the expiration of its exclusive patent for Prograf, Astellas filed a petition with the FDA asking it to establish more stringent standards for companies seeking approval of generic versions of tacrolimus. The FDA rejected the petition, but it would be two years before a generic version of Prograf came to market because Astellas took the agency to court to stop it from approving generic tacrolimus. A federal judge finally rejected that request in 2009.

Astellas Prograf antitrust lawsuits allege this was all a ploy by the drug maker to avoid losing its Prograf monopoly. Such lawsuits further allege Astellas violated the Sherman Act by illegally maintaining a monopoly in the market for Prograf and charging supracompetitive prices for the drug. Because of this, the complaints claim Astellas was able to overcharge purchasers of Prograf by millions of dollars.

Several Astellas Prograf antitrust lawsuits have been filed in federal courts in Massachusetts and Delaware. Recently, a motion was filed to have these lawsuits consolidated in a multidistrict litigation.

What Our Clients Say About Us
We have worked with thousands of clients and we appreciate them and their positive reviews. Here are just a few recent client reviews...
5 Star Reviews 150
I thank parker and waichman team for work so hard on my case Joonho hong, Josephine Burgess,Juila,joanne Stevens THANK YOU FOR A GREAT JOB IF I NEED ANOTHER TEAM IT WILL BE PARKER WAICHMAN HAPPY SUMMER
BRYANT LEE
5 years ago
5 Star Reviews 150
First time with working with parker waichman. Excellent staff will recommend to my friends and family.
Benny G.
2 months ago
5 Star Reviews 150
I was very happy with Parker Waichman services. The staff stayed in constant communication with me. Thank you.
Richard Wall
6 months ago

Why Choose Us to Help You?

We Take Care of Everything
Your situation is stressful enough: Let us take on the deadlines, paperwork, investigation, and litigation. We'll handle every detail so you don't have to worry.
No Recovery = No Legal Fees
We work on a contingency-fee basis, meaning that we only get paid from a portion of your settlement or jury award. If you don't get compensation, you owe us nothing.
Decades of Experience
Your situation is stressful enough: Let us take on the deadlines, paperwork, investigation, and litigation. We'll handle every detail so you don't have to worry.
Respected by Our Peers
Judges, insurance adjusters, and fellow attorneys all speak highly of our skills, and we've earned numerous accolades, including a flawless rating from AVVO.
We Have Many Locations To Serve You
We have the experience and the skilled litigators to win your case. Contact us and speak with a real attorney who can help you.
Long Island – Nassau
Parker Waichman LLP
6 Harbor Park Drive
Port Washington, NY 11050
Long Island – Suffolk
Parker Waichman LLP
201 Old Country Road – Suite 145
Melville, NY 11747
New York
Parker Waichman LLP
59 Maiden Lane, 6th Floor
New York, NY 10038
Queens
Parker Waichman LLP
118-35 Queens Boulevard, Suite 400
Forest Hills, NY 11375
Brooklyn
Parker Waichman LLP
300 Cadman Plaza West
One Pierrepont Plaza, 12th Floor
Brooklyn, NY 11201
New Jersey
Parker Waichman LLP
80 Main Street, Suite 265
West Orange, NJ 07052
Florida
Parker Waichman LLP
27299 Riverview Center Boulevard
Suite 108
Bonita Springs, FL 34134
Nationwide Service
Parker Waichman LLP
59 Maiden Lane, 6th Floor
New York, NY 10038