Indiana to get about $9.2M in drug discount case settlement

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) - Indiana is receiving roughly $9.2 million as part of a settlement involving a heartburn treatment.

The Indianapolis Star (http://indy.st/1N9xtUK ) reported Friday Indiana's share in the settlement in which the federal government and 34 other states are also sharing.

Federal prosecutors say drugmaker Pfizer Inc. has agreed to pay nearly $785 million to resolve allegations that one of its companies didn't give Medicaid the same discounts it provided to private purchasers of Protonix. The tentative deal that resolves allegations filed by two whistleblowers was first announced in February, but on Wednesday final approval was announced.

The case involved alleged conduct by Wyeth before it was acquired by Pfizer in 2009.

Per the settlement's terms, the federal government will receive more than $413 million, while more than $371 million will be shared by state Medicaid programs.

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Information from: The Indianapolis Star, http://www.indystar.com