A lawsuit has been filed and is seeking class action status against the medical device maker alleging antitrust violations for hypodermic products. The International Multiple Sclerosis Management Practice filed the suit in federal court in Newark on behalf of itself and other similarly situated, but unnamed health care providers.
The suit charges Becton, Dickinson with violating federal antitrust laws through various illegal business practices to maintain its near monopoly in the market for hypodermic products. The suit claims the company has been able to overcharge hospitals and other health care providers for its disposable hypodermic products. It also accuses Becton, Dickinson of stifling competition by bundling its products and offering customers deep discounts to buy an array of items.