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. |
Strong tornado kills 5, injures 33 in China's GuangzhouParis inaugurates giant water storage basin to clean up the River Seine for Olympic swimmingImmersive tours boost growth in China's tourismBritish police officer pleads guilty to terror charges for showing support for Hamas on WhatsAppA naturally elevating tripChina railway trips to reach 144M during May Day holidayTibet launches winter tourism campaign to lure more visitorsReal Madrid thrash Celta to cement top spotOld Summer Palace exhibition opens in BeijingDomestic theme parks see surging visits during Spring Festival