AIDS charity sues Bristol Myers, saying it overcharged for medication

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The AIDS Healthcare Foundation, a Los Angeles-based nonprofit that treats people with HIV and AIDS around the world, has filed a lawsuit accusing pharmaceutical giant Bristol-Myers Squibb Co. of overcharging for medication.

Bristol Myers spokeswoman Sonia Choi said Monday that the company was reviewing the complaint but would have no comment.

The AIDS Healthcare Foundation said it provides medicine, advocacy and care to more than 100,000 people with HIV and AIDS in 22 countries “regardless of their ability to pay.”

The charity is seeking reimbursement of the alleged overpayment, plus interest and attorney fees.

Bristol Myers manufactures several medications used to treat people with HIV, including Reyataz and Sustiva. The company reported $18.8 billion in sales in 2009.

-- Stuart Pfeifer

[Updated at 5:55 p.m.: A previous version of this post said spokeswoman Sonia Choi gave a brief comment Wednesday. Her comment was made Monday.]