STAT+: Turkish antitrust authorities probe Teva for allegedly gaming the patent system, disparaging rival drugs

Ed’s stories explore prescription drug pricing, affordability and access, as well issues surrounding patents, litigation, and legislation. He is also the author of the morning Pharmalittle newsletter and the afternoon Pharmalot newsletter.Turkish antitrust regulators are investigating Teva Pharmaceutical, the world’s largest generic drugmaker, for allegedly manipulating the patent system and making misleading statements to health care authorities about the safety and effectiveness of rival medicines. The company engaged in “various practices … that may have been aimed at making it more difficult for competitors to enter the market,” according to Turkey’s Competition Board, which is known as Rekabet Kurumu and which launched the probe earlier this month but disclosed the decision last Friday on its website. The regulator did not mention a specific drug, but a Teva spokesperson wrote us that the investigation is similar to a probe by the European Commission that, two years ago, ended with the company paying a $503 million fine for delaying competition to its blockbuster Copaxone multiple sclerosis medicine. The case is currently under appeal before the European Court. STAT+ Exclusive Story Already have an account? Log in This article is exclusive to STAT+ subscribers Unlock this article — plus in-depth analysis, newsletters, premium events, and news alerts. Already have an account? Log in View All Plans To read the rest of this story subscribe to STAT+. Subscribe