Other LanguagesSEATTLE -- Washington consumers who used the antidepressant drug Remeron could receive part of a $36 million multi-state settlement with its manufacturer, Organon USA Inc, Attorney General Christine Gregoire announced today.
Remeron is a mental health drug primarily used to treat depression. Attorneys General from 50 states sued Organon for improperly trying to keep Remeron's generic equivalent off the market in order to maintain profitability on sales of the drug. With annual sales over $400 million at its peak, Remeron is Organon's top-selling drug.
In the settlement, filed in U.S. District Court in New Jersey, Organon has agreed to pay a total of $36 million to consumers, states and insurance companies. Nationwide, consumers will receive approximately $7.5 million, with Washington consumers receiving up to $200,000. Washington state programs such as Medicaid and state hospitals could receive up to $100,000.
Organon has also agreed to follow all laws regarding the filing of patents, including timely listing of patents, and the settlement prohibits the company from submitting false or misleading information to the Food and Drug Administration.
The court will have to approve the settlement before Washington consumers can submit claims for reimbursement. The Attorneys General will implement a claims administration process for those who purchased Remeron or its generic equivalent between June 15, 2001 and the present.
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