Remeron users may get payout

Deseret News (Salt Lake City), Apr 9, 2005 by Associated Press

Utah consumers who bought the antidepressant drug Remeron could get part of a $36 million court settlement from a class action lawsuit, the state Attorney General said Thursday.

New Jersey-based drug maker Organon, was sued in all 50 states after a 10-month investigation by attorney's general offices in Oregon, Texas and Florida showed the company tried to prevent consumer access to lower-cost generic versions of the drug.

The investigation also shows Organon delayed a patent application in order to stifle the development of generic equivalents to the drug, according to a news release from the Utah Attorney General.

At it's peak, Remeron had annual sales of $400 million.

The settlement agreement, filed in federal court last October, still has to be approved by the courts.

When it is, Utah consumers who bought Remeron, or the generic equivalent known as mirtazapine, between June 2001 and Jan. 25, 2005, could apply for a portion of settlement funds. Health insurance plans and other third-party payees are also eligible for settlement funds.

Details about the settlement can be found in advertisements appearing in Readers Digest, Parade and USA Today. Pharmacists and psychiatrists also have been asked to notify their patients of the refunds.

Claims must be filed by June 13 to be eligible. Those consumers who want to opt-out of settlement eligibility must do so in writing before April 27.