Massive EU drug fine
June 21, 2013
THE European Commission
has fined nine pharmaceutical
companies a total of €146 million
(A$209m) for putting in place a
range of agreements which delayed
the entry of generic versions of
Lundbeck’s Celexa (citalopram)
antidepressant medication.
Lundbeck was hit with a €93.8m
fine, while the other penalties were
against generic producers who
allegedly “agreed with Lundbeck
in 2002 not to enter the market in
return for substantial payments and
other inducements”.
The EC said that Lundbeck “paid
significant lump sums, purchased
generics stock for the sole purpose
of destroying it, and offered
guaranteed profits in a distribution
agreement”.
Other companies fined included
Merck KgaA, Mylan, Ranbaxy,
Zoetis, Xellia, AL Industrier, Actavis
and Resolution Chemicals.
Lundbeck said it strongly
disagreed with the ruling, and that
it intends to appeal the ruling.
The above article was sent to subscribers in Pharmacy Daily's issue from 21 Jun 13To see the full newsletter, see the embedded issue below or CLICK HERE to download Pharmacy Daily from 21 Jun 13