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Lundbeck, Merck and others accused of suppressing generic antidepressants

By  |  July 25, 2012
Lundbeck, Merck and others accused of suppressing generic antidepressants

The European Commission issued a Statement of Objections to Danish pharmaceutical company Lundbeck and four generic groups alleging agreements were made to delay entry of generic versions of citalopram, a widely used antidepressant. Preliminary investigations indicate that Lundbeck conducted “value transfers” to generic competitors in the form of direct payments, guaranteed profits in distribution agreements, and the purchase of generic citalopram stock. In exchange, generic competitors may delay putting a generic citalopram on the market for up to two years to keep brand name prices high. Reuters reports Lundbeck denies the allegations and asserted full compliance with EU competition law.

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    This investigation is the European Commission’s first case dealing with “pay for delay” agreements.

    Full content: The Information Daily Reuters

     

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