McKesson settlement may reach $15 billion

NEW YORK Drug wholesaler McKesson may have to pay $15 billion in a settlement for selling drugs at inflated prices to individuals and health-benefit plans, according to reports.

In a 2005 case, the New England Health Benefits Fund and others filed suits accusing McKesson and First DataBank, a division of Hearst, of colluding to increase money that went to pharmacies on drug sales so that McKesson could increase business.

The U.S. District Court in Boston has allowed the suits to be tried as class actions under the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act.