Remicade Biosim Lawsuit Settled by Pfizer and J&J

Pharmaceutical behemoths Johnson & Johnson and Pfizer have been fighting in court for over four years over the competitive dynamics of the biosimilar sector, capturing the industry’s attention in a landmark case that had the potential to serve as a bellwether for the future. Instead, the carefully watched lawsuit between Pfizer and J&J, in which Pfizer alleged J&J unfairly suppressed competition for its once-promising copycat Inflectra, has concluded quietly.

On Monday, the firms stated that they had reached an agreement, albeit the terms were not released. The American Journal of Managed Care was the first to report on the settlement.  Pfizer said in a statement, “Pfizer and J&J have agreed to resolve and dismiss all claims asserted in the U.S. antitrust matter concerning Inflectra. Resolution of this case allows the company to focus on breakthroughs that improve patients’ lives.”

Pfizer also stated that Inflectra will continue to be sold. On Monday, J&J issued a statement reiterating that the market was operating as designed. Janssen has always been and continues to be committed to making our medications, including Remicade, available to patients and doctors who seek them out. This strategy forces us to compete responsibly on price and value, which is something we believe in, have done proudly, and will continue to do.

The competition-based paradigm in the United States is working. Since biosimilars were introduced, prices for Remicade and other infliximabs have fallen, and we expect this competitive dynamic to continue. Pfizer also stated that Inflectra will continue to be sold. On Monday, J&J issued a statement reiterating that the market was operating as designed. Janssen has always been and continues to be committed to making our medications, including Remicade, available to patients and doctors who seek them out.