By AP/KWMU
Chicago, Ill. – Attorneys General in Illinois and New York are trying to determine whether Chicago-based Abbott Labs broke the law by increasing the cost of a commonly used AIDS medicine.
Norvir is taken to treat HIV. Abbott increased the wholesale price of a 30-day supply of it by more than $200 in December, from $52.50 to $257.00.
At question is whether that violates anti-trust laws, or whether the company engaged in deceptive or unfair pricing practices when it raised the cost of Norvir.
Abbott says New York Attorney General Eliot Spitzer is trying to determine if the company violated antitrust law. A spokesman for Spitzer's office would neither confirm nor deny the existence of an investigation.
Abbott denies any wrongdoing.