Bristol Myers faces new antitrust suit over multiple myeloma drug Pomalyst

US insurance giant Cigna has taken fresh legal action against Bristol Myers Squibb (NYSE: BMY), accusing the drugmaker of manipulating the patent system to preserve its monopoly on the multiple myeloma treatment Pomalyst (pomalidomide).

Filed this week in federal court in Manhattan, the complaint alleges that the New York-based pharma major engaged in a pattern of anticompetitive conduct to delay the entry of lower-cost generics. Cigna claims the company did so through “fraud on the patent office,” abusive litigation tactics, and backdoor settlements with potential rivals.

Cigna said the scheme has “forced payers to spend hundreds of millions, if not billions, more than they should have,” and is seeking a jury trial and treble damages.