EU Fines Teva €463 Million for Blocking Rival MS Drug, Marking Intensified Scrutiny on Big Pharma Practices

The European Union has levied a fine of €463 million ($502 million) against pharmaceutical corporation Teva for allegedly engaging in anti-competitive behavior to block the launch of a rival multiple sclerosis (MS) drug. According to the European Union’s antitrust authority, Teva purportedly initiated a smear campaign and manipulated the patent system to prevent the entry of a competitor’s MS treatment into the market. This action signals a heightened scrutiny by the EU on the usage of intellectual property laws by large pharmaceutical companies to stifle competition. For more detailed coverage, visit Law360.