MONTGOMERY - The jury in the Medicaid pharmaceutical fraud trial in Montgomery just moments ago found in favor of Alabama and recommended compensatory damages of $40 million and punitive damages of $175 million.

The verdict was against AstraZeneca Corp., a drug manufacturer the state sued along with about 75 other drug manufacturers, alleging they overcharged Alabama's Medicaid program for prescription drugs.

AstraZeneca was the company to go to trial. It said it was not liable because it doesn't sell directly to the state.

Plaintiff's attorney Jere Beasley, who was hired by the state, asked the jury after closing arguments for $28 million in compensatory damages plus $11 million in interest and an additional $140 million to $250 million in punitive damages to punish the company for its alleged behavior.

Attorney General Troy King plans a news conference for 3:30 p.m. to announce the verdict.