Aventis, Andrx Say Settlement OKdAventis and Andrx...

Aventis, Andrx Say Settlement OKd

Aventis and Andrx Corp. said a federal judge gave preliminary approval to a $110-million settlement with drug wholesalers over allegations that the companies conspired to keep generic forms of the blood-pressure drug Cardizem CD off the market.

Pending before U.S. District Judge Nancy Edmunds in Detroit are claims against the firms by consumers, insurance companies and 28 state attorneys general. Andrx said it “will continue to attempt to settle the remaining claims on reasonable terms.”

Aventis fell 16 cents to $49.71 on the NYSE. Andrx shares fell 13 cents to $22.04 on Nasdaq.