The U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) on Tuesday said it sent letters to medical device companies and drugmakers including AbbVie (ABBV.N), AstraZeneca (AZN.L) and Teva (TEVA.TA) disputing the accuracy or relevance of 110 patents that could lead to delays in generic competition.
Signage is seen outside of the Food and Drug Administration headquarters in White Oak, Maryland, U.S., August 29, 2020. REUTERS/Andrew Kelly/File PhotoWASHINGTON, Nov 7 - The U.S. Federal Trade Commission on Tuesday said it sent letters to medical device companies and drugmakers including AbbVieMany of the patents at issue in the Food and Drug Administration's Orange Book listing of approved products were for devices such as asthma inhalers and epinephrine autoinjectors, the FTC said.
"Millions of Americans rely on inhalers to control their asthma. And even though some of the most popular inhalers have been on the market for decades, they can still cost patients hundreds of dollars a month," she said. A Teva spokesperson said they were reviewing the FTC's letter. None of the other companies contacted for this story immediately responded to requests for comment.
"We have availed ourselves of the FDA's regulatory process and submitted patent listing dispute communications to the FDA regarding the patents with the FDA," the FTC wrote to Teva., got a similar letter over eight patents for EpiPens, which treat life-threatening allergic reactions. There was public outcry in 2016 after Mylan raised the price of a pair of EpiPens to $600, leading to lawsuits and costly settlements.