Inside the secret messages that allegedly show how big drug companies plotted to increase the price of your medicines

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In April 2014, after the drugmaker Mylan hiked prices on more than seven of its drugs, Teva Pharmaceutical Industries, the world’s largest generic drugmaker and one of Mylan’s biggest rivals, allegedly wanted to increase its prices, too.

Just four days later, Teva employees were sharing detailed breakdowns of those Mylan price increases internally, according to a new lawsuit being brought by 44 states against Teva, Mylan, and 18 other generic drugmakers.

Business Insider obtained an unredacted copy of the complaint, which recounts alleged communications between employees of rival companies by way of email, Facebook message, and spreadsheets. The goal was to coordinate on drug pricing and deals with customers, the complaint alleges.

The lawsuit is the second to be brought as part of an investigation by the states into generic drugs, which are typically thought of as low-cost treatment options. The complaints have brought new scrutiny to the medications’ prices and to the business practices of generic drug companies.

Teva has denied any criminal or civil liability and said it will defend itself vigorously. Mylan also said the complaint contains "unproven allegations" and that it plans to defend itself.

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