Attorney General Todd Rokita claims Viatris Inc., Pfizer Inc. and other companies conspired to increase the price of EpiPens by more than 600%.
INDIANAPOLIS — The state of Indiana won a settlement for $6.25 million with global pharmaceutical companies over allegations that they conspired to increase the EpiPen prices.
Attorney General Todd Rokita claims Viatris Inc., Pfizer Inc. and other companies conspired to increase the price of EpiPens by more than 600%.
In January 2025, Rokita filed an antitrust lawsuit alleging the companies conspired to increase prices in order to “maximize the money made from EpiPen prescriptions and prevent other similar products from coming to market and being available to consumers.”
The lawsuit alleges the companies violated the Indiana Deceptive Consumer Sales Act, the Indiana Antitrust Act and the Medicaid False Claims Act by continually increasing the price of EpiPens and providing payments to pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) to exclude competition.
The lawsuit also alleged the companies paid doctors to say a two-pack of EpiPen is “medically necessary,” so that the companies could stop selling individual EpiPens.
According to the attorney general’s office, the companies “deny any wrongdoing” as part of the settlement.
“Some pharmaceutical companies have prioritized profits over patients,” Rokita said. “But by demonstrating there are severe penalties for unlawful tactics to overcharge Hoosiers, we can deter this kind of conduct in the future.”
What is an EpiPen?
EpiPen is the name brand for an epinephrine autoinjector. Epinephrine is another term for “adrenaline.” EpiPens are used when someone is having a severe allergic reaction. Children with allergies often bring them to school, and adults with severe allergies often keep them nearby.
The “pen” is a vial of adrenaline attached to a spring loaded needle. When the device is pressed against the thigh (where EpiPens are generally used), the spring loaded needle is triggered, injecting the patient with the adrenaline.
EpiPens are used when someone is going into anaphylaxis. Anaphylaxis is a severe allergic reaction that can be deadly if not treated. More than 200,000 Americans per year experience anaphylaxis.