EU Fines Teva $503 Million for Blocking MS Drug Competition

The European Commission penalized Teva for abusing patent laws and disparaging a rival to delay market entry of a cheaper multiple sclerosis treatment.

Teva Pharmaceuticals was fined €462.6 million by the EU for anti-competitive practices related to its multiple sclerosis drug, Copaxone.
The company was accused of extending patent protection and spreading misleading information about a competitor's drug to maintain market dominance.
Teva's actions allegedly prevented significant savings for European countries, as alternative drugs could have been 80% cheaper.
The fine marks Teva's second major financial penalty this month, following a $450 million settlement in the U.S. for separate legal issues.
Teva intends to appeal the EU's decision, arguing that the legal theories behind the ruling are untested and unsupported by facts.