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. |
Matthews scores as Maple Leafs beat Bruins 3Aide of German EU lawmaker arrested on suspicion of spying for ChinaShipwreck archaeology unveils glory of Maritime Silk Road'CatchKepler has 3 RBIs in return from injured list; Twins beat White Sox 7Lyrid Meteor Shower peaks tonight with up to 18 shooting stars overhead every hourChina details regulations on nonGOP lawsuits over voting creates shadow war ahead of the electionLawmakers criticize CIA's handling of sexual misconduct but offer few specificsStreamlined logistics allow landlocked regions to expand global reach