By Brendan Pierson

NEW YORK (Reuters – Vyera Pharmaceuticals founder Martin Shkreli will be brought before the U.S. Federal Trade Commission, along with other states. Martin Shkreli was accused of trying to prevent generic versions Vyera’s life-saving drug Daraprim. The incident occurred just a week following settlement.

Shkreli has been accused by both the FTC as well as the States of being involved in an illegal scheme to purchase Daraprim, and then secure a monopoly so Vyera could make its cost $750 per tablet from $17.50. In 2015, Shkreli became known for his “Pharma Bro,” a name that made him infamous. This drug treats toxoplasmosis. It is an infection caused by parasites that poses a threat to people with weak immune systems.

This non-jury trial is scheduled to take place in Manhattan Federal Court before U.S. district Judge Denise Cote. Christopher Casey (a Shkreli lawyer) could not be reached immediately for comment.

Vyera, which was originally called Turing Pharmaceuticals and acquired Daraprim in 2015 from Impax Laboratories Inc. According to the FTC, the states and the FTC allege that Daraprim was not available for generic drugmakers to obtain samples in order to create their own version of the drug. Vyera then negotiated a deal with Impax Laboratories Inc to prevent other drug companies from purchasing the active ingredient.

The company’s actions were a violation of federal antitrust laws, and they claimed that the company caused harm to patients. In 2020, Daraprim’s first generic form was approved.

Vyera, former chief executive Kevin Mulleady reached a settlement last week. Vyera agreed to pay Vyera $10m upfront plus $30 million per year over ten years. Mulleady will be banned for the next seven years from all positions in the Pharmaceutical Industry.

Shkreli currently serves a seven year sentence for his 2017 conviction of conspiring with investors to cheat two hedge funds. He also tried to boost the stock prices for Retrophin Inc. His release is possible next year.