Teva Faces EU Antitrust Fine Over Copaxone Dispute

Teva, the world's largest generic drugmaker, is expected to be fined by the EU for anticompetitive practices related to its multiple sclerosis drug, Copaxone. The European Commission accused Teva of misusing the patent system to hinder competition. This case highlights concerns over stifling pharmaceutical innovation amidst tight healthcare budgets.

Teva, the world's largest generic drugmaker, is set to receive an EU antitrust fine in the coming weeks for disparaging a competitor's product to protect its multiple sclerosis drug, Copaxone, according to sources familiar with the case. In 2022, the European Commission charged the Israeli firm with violating EU antitrust laws by misusing the patent system to extend Copaxone's market exclusivity and block competition.

The EU competition authority's firm stance reflects its worries about anticompetitive practices stifling pharmaceutical innovation, particularly in nations with constrained healthcare budgets. The Commission declined to provide a comment, and Teva has yet to respond to inquiries.

The case against Teva began with EU dawn raids in 2019, leading to a formal investigation in 2021. Companies found to violate EU antitrust laws face fines up to 10% of their global annual turnover, although this is a rare occurrence. In 2020, Teva and its subsidiary Cephalon were fined 60.5 million euros ($66.7 million) for delaying the release of a cheaper generic version of Cephalon's sleep disorder drug, as part of the EU's crackdown on 'pay-for-delay' agreements.

(With inputs from agencies.)