Girard Sharp and its co-lead counsel have delivered settlements of more than $104 million for end purchasers of a prescription pain patch called Lidoderm. A California federal judge on September 12, 2018 approved the “excellent” settlement ending claims that three drug companies violated antitrust laws by delaying the release of a generic version of Lidoderm. Judge William H. Orrick III finalized a $104.75 million deal for end payers and a $166 million deal with direct purchasers, resulting in recoveries of more than $270 million from drug companies Endo, Actavis, and Teikoku. The end-payer settlement covers purchasers of brand or generic Lidoderm between August 2012 and May 2014. In awarding the attorneys’ fees, Judge Orrick approved the “excellent” settlement and acknowledged “the very high risk, the expensive nature of this, the high-quality lawyering, and the result.” Judge Orrick capped off the hearing by telling the attorneys, “It has been a pleasure to have read what you write and listen to what you say. For me, this was a fascinating case and it was very well-litigated by all.” More details about the hearing can be found here. And for more details about submitting claims, please visit the end-payer class claims website here.
