Washington: Federal regulators are challenging patent On 20 brand-names DrugsIncluding the blockbuster weight loss injection OzempicIn the latest targeting effort by the Biden administration Medicine Industry practices that drive up prices.

The Federal Trade Commission sent warning letters to 10 drugmakers on Tuesday, raising the issue of patents on popular drugs for weight loss, diabetes, asthma and other therapeutic conditions. The letters allege that certain patents filed by Novo Nordisk, GlaxoSmithKline, AstraZeneca and seven other companies are false or misleading.

Brand-name drug manufacturers use patents to protect their drugs and avoid cheaper, generic drugs. Most blockbuster drugs are protected by dozens of patents covering various ingredients, manufacturing processes, and intellectual property. Generic drug manufacturers can launch their cheaper versions only if the patent expires or is successfully challenged in court.

“By filing fraudulent patent listings, pharma companies stifle competition and drive up the cost of prescription drugs, causing Americans to pay exorbitant prices for the drugs they rely on,” he said. ftc Chairman Leena Khan said in a statement.

Ozempic is part of a class of drugs that were originally developed to treat diabetes but which have recently been approved to treat obesity, leading to an increase in prescriptions. Medicare spending on drugs has also increased in recent years.

The drug’s Danish manufacturer, Novo Nordisk, declined to comment.

The FTC’s latest announcement follows similar action in September when regulators challenged more than 100 patents held by drugmakers including AbbVie, AstraZeneca and Boehringer Ingelheim.

According to the FTC, companies that receive letters have 30 days to withdraw or update their patent listings, or “certify under penalty of perjury” that they are valid. Patents are registered with the Food and Drug Administration, which reviews and approves new drugs.

patent Challenges The measures are part of a strategy by President Joe Biden to lower drug prices, which also includes allowing Medicare to negotiate with drug manufacturers and allowing states like Florida to import cheaper drugs from other countries.

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