AstraZeneca loses landmark Losec appeal
This article was originally published in Scrip
Executive Summary
The General Court of the European Union has broadly upheld the fine imposed by the European Commission on AstraZeneca for abuse of a dominant position by blocking or delaying generic versions of its proton pump inhibitor, the anti-ulcer drug Losec (omeprazole). The move is expected to give support to the commission in its pursuit of antitrust actions against pharmaceutical companies; the industry federation EFPIA said the ruling could have a "chilling effect" on innovation.