Turkish competition watchdog opens antitrust probe into Teva over patent tactics

Turkey’s Competition Board, Rekabet Kurumu, announced a formal antitrust investigation into Teva Pharmaceutical, accusing the generic drugmaker of exploiting patent rules and providing inaccurate information to health authorities about competing products. The board’s statement suggests the tactics were intended to make it harder for other firms to launch alternatives. The notice did not name any particular medication.

In response, a Teva spokeswoman highlighted a similar European Commission probe from two years ago, which concluded with a $503 million penalty for slowing competition to its flagship multiple-sclerosis drug, Copaxone. That case remains under appeal before the European Court. The Turkish inquiry reflects broader scrutiny of Teva’s market practices across jurisdictions.