WASHINGTON (AP) — Federal regulators are challenging patents on 20 brand name drugs, including the blockbuster weight-loss injection Ozempic, in the latest action by the Biden administration targeting industry practices that drive up pharmaceutical prices.
The Federal Trade Commission on Tuesday sent warning letters to 10 drugmakers, taking issue with patents on popular drugs for weight loss, diabetes, asthma and other reparatory conditions. The letters allege that certain patents filed by Novo Nordisk, GlaxoSmithKline, AstraZeneca and seven other companies are inaccurate or misleading.
Brand-name drugmakers use patents to protect their medicines and stave off cheaper, generic medicines. Most blockbuster drugs are protected by dozens of patents covering various ingredients, manufacturing processes and intellectual property. Generic drugmakers can only launch their own cheaper versions if the patents have expired or are successfully challenged in court.
Burglar hurled stolen mobile phones at police from the top of 60ft high roof during nine
Chinese home appliance firms expand global market with great vigor
China urges U.S. to stop COVID
Benedict Cumberbatch looks suave as he joins his co
China's highly anticipated C919 passenger aircraft returns after debut at Singapore Airshow
Global oil demand to record historic growth in 2021: OPEC
What a blast to work at NASA. Space agency is sky
Chinese home appliance firms expand global market with great vigor