STAT+: Turkish antitrust authorities probe Teva for allegedly gaming the patent system, disparaging rival drugs

Turkish antitrust authorities have launched an investigation into Teva Pharmaceutical, the world's largest generic drugmaker, alleging that the company manipulated the patent system and made misleading statements about the safety and effectiveness of competing medications. The Competition Board of Turkey, known as Rekabet Kurumu, initiated the probe earlier this month but announced the decision on its website last Friday.

While no specific drug was named, a Teva spokesperson stated that the investigation is akin to a previous European Commission probe that fined the company $503 million for delaying competition to its Copaxone multiple sclerosis medication. The case is currently under appeal before the European Court.