EU warns drug firms on stalling generics

BRUSSELS: The European Union warned yesterday of a wave of antitrust investigations into major drug makers, saying they were deliberately stalling cheaper generic versions of their own medicines once exclusive patents expire.

"Makers of original medicines are actively trying to delay the entry of generic medicines onto their markets," EU Competition Commissioner Neelie Kroes said.

The EU also started an investigation into France's Les Laboratoires Servier for hindering the launch of generic versions of its heart disease drug perindopril.