FTC Fight Against Pay-for-Delay Becomes a Top Priority in 2010

The FTC is making its fight against pay-for-delay settlements between brand- and generic-drug makers a top priority this year. The patent settlements, in which brand companies reward generic-drug makers to delay the introduction of less expensive versions of their medicines, keep generic drugs off the market for an average of 17 months longer than agreements without payments and will cost consumers and taxpayers $35 billion over the next 10 years, the commission says in its annual report.
Washington Drug Letter