US FTC Intensifies Patent Crusade with Investigation into Teva’s Inhaler IP

1. FTC Investigation: The US Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has launched an investigation into Teva Pharmaceuticals' inhaler patents, suspecting anticompetitive practices to delay generic competition.
2. Patent Listings: Teva has listed approximately twenty patents for its asthma and COPD inhalers in the FDA's Orange Book, which the FTC believes may be improper and designed to prevent generic competition.
3. FTC Amicus Brief: The FTC filed an amicus brief in a patent dispute between Teva and Amneal, urging the court to remove Teva's improper patent listings from the Orange Book to facilitate generic product approval.
4. Civil Investigative Demand: The FTC has issued a civil investigative demand to Teva, requesting internal communications, analyses, and financial information related to the disputed patents.
5. Price Disparity: Teva sells inhalers in the US at significantly higher prices than in other countries, raising concerns about the impact of its patent practices on consumers.