Healthy Skepticism Library item: 13199

Warning: This library includes all items relevant to health product marketing that we are aware of regardless of quality. Often we do not agree with all or part of the contents.

Publication type: Journal Article

Watson R.
European Commission looks into possible restrictive practices by drug companies
BMJ 2008 Mar 8; 336:(7643):524
http://www.bmj.com/cgi/content/extract/336/7643/524-a

Abstract:

The falling number of new drugs coming onto the market has prompted the European Commission to launch its first major investigation into the pharmaceutical sector to determine whether manufacturers are engaging in illegal restrictive practices.

The commission points to the downward trend in the development of new drugs to explain its suspicion that market forces are not operating satisfactorily. Between 1995 and 1999 an average of 40 novel molecular entities were launched each year in the European Union. Over the next five years the number fell to 28.

Announcing the investigation, Neelie Kroes, the EU’s competition commissioner, said, “If innovative products are not being produced, and cheaper generic alternatives to existing products are in some cases being delayed, then we need to find out why and, if necessary, take action.”

The inquiry is now in its seventh week. It is not expected to deliver its preliminary findings before the autumn, . . .