Turkey Probes Teva Over Patent Tactics Curbing Generics in Türkiye

Turkey's Competition Board has launched an investigation into pharmaceutical company Teva over allegations it used strategic patent tactics to restrict generic competition. The board said it concluded a preliminary inquiry into whether Teva İlaçları Sanayi ve Ticaret AŞ (TEVA) violated the Law on the Protection of Competition by using divisional patent procedures for strategic purposes and creating a misleading image with health authorities regarding the effectiveness and safety of rival products. The investigation covers the economic integrity formed by Teva İlaçları Sanayi ve Ticaret AŞ, Teva Pharmaceuticals Europe B.V. and Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. The probe will examine whether the company's divisional patent applications related to production methods and dosage regimes, along with associated withdrawal practices, restricted generic competition after the expiration of its basic molecule patent protection.

TEVA, a global drugmaker with patented products in fields such as neurology and immunology, is suspected of behaviors that could make market entry harder for competitors. The board noted that opening an investigation does not mean the companies involved have violated the law or will face sanctions.