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The consent order settles charges that Hospira Inc.’s proposed $2 billion acquisition of rival drug manufacturer Mayne Pharma Ltd. would likely reduce competition in the following products: hydromorphone hydrochloride (hydromorphone), nalbuphine hydrochloride (nalbuphine), morphine sulfate (morphine), preservative-free morphine, and deferoxamine mesylate (deferoxamine).  In settling the Commission’s charges, the companies agreed to divest to Barr Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Barr), within 10 days of the acquisition, Mayne’s rights and assets related to the relevant products.

A consent order settled charges that Watson Pharmaceuticals, Inc.’s proposed $1.9 billion acquisition of Andrx Corporation, would have likely led to competitive problems in the markets for 13 generic drug products. Watson was required to end its marketing agreements with Interpham Holdings, divest Andrx’s right to develop, make, and market generic extended release tablets that correct the effects of type 2 diabetes, and divest Andrx’s rights and assets related to the developing and marketing of 11 generic oral contraceptives.

There is a related federal proceeding and two related administrative proceedings:

The consent order settles charges that Barr Pharmaceutical, Inc.’s proposed acquisition of Pliva d.d for approximately $2.5 billion would have eliminated current or future competition between Barr and Pliva in certain markets for generic pharmaceuticals treating depression, high blood pressure and ruptured blood vessels, and in the market for organ preservation solutions. In settling the Commission’s charges, Barr is required to sell its generic antidepressant trazodone and its generic blood pressure medication triamterene/HCTZ. Barr also is required to divest either Pliva’s or Barr’s generic nimodipine for use in treating ruptured blood vessels in the brain. Finally, Barr is required to divest Pliva’s branded organ preservation solution Custodial.

The consent order requires that Allergan and Inamed divest the rights to develop and distribute Reloxin, a potential Botox rival, to settle charges that Allergan’s $3.2 billion purchase of Inamed would reduce competition and force consumers to pay higher prices for botulinum toxin type A products. Under the terms of the FTC settlement, the companies will return the development and distribution rights to Reloxin to Ipsen Ltd., its U.K.- based manufacturer.

The consent order allowed Teva to acquire IVAX Corporation, provided the companies sell the rights and assets needed to manufacture and market 15 generic pharmaceutical products. Among the drugs sold were several forms of generic amoxicillin and amoxicillin clavulanate potassium that are widely used in the United States.