Find Court Cases > Astra USA v. Santa Clara County

Astra USA v. Santa Clara County

Case Date: 01/19/2011
Docket No: none

Facts of the Case 

In 2005, Santa Clara County, Calif., filed a class-action lawsuit based on U.S. Department of Health and Human Services reports, alleging that pharmaceutical companies have systemically overcharged hospitals and clinics, making them pay millions of dollars more than necessary for prescription drugs. The Inspector General's report also argued that the government is ill- equipped to ensure that clinics are being charged correctly. The U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California dismissed the case, but in March 2008, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit overturned the decision.

Read the Briefs for this Case
  • Brief for Apa Watch as Amicus Curiae Supporting Petitioners
  • Brief of Washington Legal Foundation as Amicus Curiae In Support of Petitioners
    • Question 

    Can health care providers sue drug makers for overcharging public hospitals for prescription drugs?

    Argument Astra USA v. Santa Clara County - Oral ArgumentFull Transcript Text  Download MP3Astra USA v. Santa Clara County - Opinion AnnouncementFull Transcript Text  Download MP3 Conclusion  Decision: 8 votes for Astra, 0 vote(s) against Legal provision: Public Health Services Act

    No. The Supreme Court ruled in a unanimous opinion by Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg that health care providers cannot sue drug makers for overcharging public hospitals for prescription drugs. Justice Elena Kagan did not take part in consideration of the case.