Teva Company The Israeli is at the center of another investigation. The EU Antitrust Authority has launched an investigation into whether the Israeli pharmaceutical company has illegally blocked competition from Copaxone.
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Copaxone is Teva’s flagship drug and is used to treat multiple sclerosis. Copaxone enjoyed patent protection until three years ago, when generic competition entered.
The initial investigation into the matter was already published last year, but now it is the official opening of the investigation.
The EU is examining allegations that Teva approached and artificially withdrew patents on Copaxone, after they expired in 2015. These actions have repeatedly blocked generic competition for the drug, a competition that is supposed to lower the price of the drug.
In response to reports abroad, Teva said it was cooperating with the investigation. “We do not believe Teva has adopted anti-competitive behavior towards Copaxone,” the company said in an official response. According to European legislation, Teva could be fined up to 10% of its annual turnover , That is, about $ 1.5 billion.