Drug firms warned over generics

An investigation into pharmaceutical companies conducted by the European Commission has followed up a preliminary report made public last November warning them not to use anti-competitive practices.

Some drugmakers are suspected of arranging with generics producers to hold back cheap medicines in deals that cost healthcare providers billions of euros.

Delays in bringing less expensive generic drugs to the market pushed up consumers’ bills by 20 percent between 2000 and 2007, Brussels says.

A drug industry body welcomed the latest report, saying it shed light on regulatory barriers hindering the industry.

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tags: Drugs, Health, pharmaceutical companies