UPDATE 1-Teva reaches settlement in drug pricing lawsuits

* Teva to take $315 million charge to resolve lawsuits

* Suit claims Teva pricing led governments to overpay

* Other drug companies charged in similar lawsuits

BOSTON, Feb. 5 (Reuters) - Generic drugmaker Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd (TEVA.O)(TEVA.TA) said on Friday it plans to settle lawsuits alleging it caused governments to pay inflated prices for its drugs under Medicaid and other programs.

Teva, which denies the charges, said it will record a charge of about $315 million in its fourth quarter, 2009. The charge includes the settlement in principle and a reserve for the remaining drug pricing lawsuits to which Teva is a party.

Israel-based Teva is one of a number of drug companies named in civil lawsuits that relate to drug price reporting by manufacturers in about 15 states. The cases are pending in federal and state courts.

The lawsuit was brought by Ven-A-Care of the Florida Keys Inc, on behalf of the United States, Texas, Florida and California under federal and state False Claims Acts.

The settlement will eliminate the majority of the alleged damages asserted against Teva, the company said. (Reporting by Toni Clarke; Editing by Derek Caney)