Probable collusion between pharmaceutical companies on medicines to slow down macular degeneration

23.1.2015

Question for written answer P-000937-15
to the Commission
Rule 130
Claude Rolin (PPE)

At the end of November 2014, Test-Achats (a Belgian consumer magazine), alongside consumer groups from Spain, Portugal and France, lodged a complaint against the producers of two medicines, Avastin and Lucentis. The medicines are chemically similar and work in the same way to slow down the loss of vision caused by age-related macular degeneration, but Lucentis is 20 times more expensive than Avastin.

The consumer groups concerned allege that the two pharmaceutical companies have come to an agreement to prevent the use of the cheaper drug Avastin, which costs EUR 40, so as to maximise the profits they receive.

1. What is the situation here with regard to European antitrust rules?

2. Would an EU-level objection to such an agreement be possible under those rules? If so, how?

3. What measures are in place that would make it possible to block such agreements between pharmaceutical companies?