Turkey Launches Antitrust Investigation Into Teva Pharmaceuticals Over Market Competition

Turkey's Competition Authority has initiated an investigation into Teva Pharmaceuticals on suspicion of violating local laws by restricting competition in the generic drug market. The probe focuses on whether Teva used patent procedures strategically to block competitors and created misleading impressions about the efficacy and safety of certain products to Turkish health authorities in Ankara. The investigation targets Teva's international corporation, its European subsidiary, and its Turkish branch to determine if any legal breaches occurred.

According to Anadolu Agency, a state-run media outlet aligned with President Erdogan's administration, the inquiry examines actions that may have prevented competitors from entering the market. Currently, no sanctions have been imposed on Teva. Authorities are reviewing whether Teva filed split patent applications related to drug manufacturing methods and dosages after patent protection expired, as well as derivative cancellation methods that could limit rival companies.

Teva operates in Turkey with its headquarters in Istanbul, managing commercial drug marketing and collaborating with local organizations to improve healthcare access. This investigation follows about two months after the Israeli valve company Hamate's board decided to close its Turkish subsidiary MCP in Izmir due to marketing difficulties. Other Israeli companies like ICL (formerly Israel Chemicals) and Netafim also maintain operations in Turkey despite regional tensions.

Teva responded by stating the investigation concerns past antitrust issues related to the drug Copaxone, similar to an ongoing European Commission case currently under appeal at the European Court of Justice. The company denies any wrongdoing and pledged full cooperation with Turkish authorities throughout the process.