BOSTON — A U.S. jury found Japan's Takeda Pharmaceutical liable for $885 million in damages for delaying a generic version of its constipation drug Amitiza through an anticompetitive scheme.
Jurors in Boston federal court sided with pharmacies, insurers, and retailers including CVS and Walgreens, who said the delay forced them to overpay.
The award could triple to billions under U.S. antitrust law. The case is part of a wave targeting "pay-for-delay" deals, where brand-name drugmakers pay generics to delay cheaper versions.
Takeda denied wrongdoing and plans to appeal. It said its FY2026 forecast won't be materially impacted except for adjusted free cash flow.
This verdict is the first jury win for plaintiffs in such class actions; three prior trials ended in defense verdicts.
