FTC Approves Final Order Preserving Competition in Four Generic Drug Markets

Following a public comment period, the Federal Trade Commission has approved a final order settling charges that Actavis plc’s acquisition of Forest Laboratories, Inc. would likely be anticompetitive.

Under the order, first announced in June 2014, the companies have agreed to relinquish their current rights to market generic diltiazem hydrochloride extended release capsules (AB4), which are used to treat hypertension and chronic stable angina; generic ursodiol tablets used to treat primary biliary cirrhosis of the liver; and generic propranolol hydrochloride extended release capsules used to treat hypertension. The companies also will relinquish future marketing rights for generic lamotrigine orally disintegrating tablets, which are used to treat seizures.

The Commission vote approving the final order was 5-0. (FTC File No. 1410098; the staff contact is Christine L. Tasso, Bureau of Competition, 202-326-2232)

The FTC’s Bureau of Competition works with the Bureau of Economics to investigate alleged anticompetitive business practices and, when appropriate, recommends that the Commission take law enforcement action. To inform the Bureau about particular business practices, call 202-326-3300, send an e-mail to antitrust@ftc.gov, or write to the Office of Policy and Coordination, Bureau of Competition, Federal Trade Commission, 601 New Jersey Ave., Room 7117, Washington, DC 20001. To learn more about the Bureau of Competition, read Competition Counts. Like the FTC on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, and subscribe to press releases for the latest FTC news and resources.