Turkish pharmaceutical sector competition investigation

The Turkish Competition Authority (Rekabet Kurumu) has concluded a comprehensive investigation into the country’s pharmaceutical sector. The review, which began in December 2021, examined various aspects of the market, including licensing, pricing policies, distribution chains, and the relationship between generic and reference medicines.

The investigation report analyzes structural competition issues across production, market entry, and distribution stages. Key areas of focus include the balance between intellectual property protections and free market entry, the impact of public drug procurement methods, and the effects of vertical relationships on competition. To address potential risks such as exclusivity practices and atypical competition violations, the Authority offered recommendations intended to improve the sector’s competitive structure without necessitating radical changes to current legal or administrative frameworks.

Building on these sector-wide findings, the Turkish Competition Board has launched a specific investigation into the Israeli pharmaceutical group Teva. The probe examines allegations that Teva violated local competition laws to hinder the entry of generic medicines into the market. Specifically, authorities are investigating whether the company used strategic patent applications regarding manufacturing processes and dosages to extend protection after primary patents expired.

The investigation also looks into whether Teva provided misleading information to Turkish health officials regarding the safety and efficacy of competing products. Teva has stated the matter relates to the multiple sclerosis drug Copaxone, noting that similar issues were previously reviewed by European authorities. The company denies any wrongdoing and has pledged to cooperate.