Date Set For Next Trial Of State’s Drug Lawsuits

Associated Press
Published: July 23, 2008

MONTGOMERY, Ala. (AP) - An Alabama judge has scheduled a trial
for October in the state’s drug pricing lawsuit against drug
manufacturer Bristol Myers Squibb.
Montgomery County Circuit Judge Charles Price on Wednesday said
jury selection will begin Oct. 27. Bristol Myers Squibb is one of
more than 70 companies the state has sued for allegedly
overcharging the state’s Medicaid program.
State juries have returned verdicts in favor of the state in
three of the cases.
The state’s lawsuits against Sandos and Abbott Laboratories were
scheduled to be tried with Bristol Myers Squibb. Price delayed the
start of those trials, but did not set dates.
Attorney Jere Beasley said the state is currently talking to
about 20 drug companies about settling the case. He would not say
which companies.