
The antitrust regulator in Spain has accused Merck (MRK) of working with other companies to hinder the entry of generic versions of a hormonal contraceptive, the latest effort by a European government to crack down on anti-competitive practices in the pharmaceutical industry.
In a statement issued last Thursday, the National Commission on Markets and Competition announced that it is pursuing sanctions against Merck Sharp & Dohme, its European affiliate, and MSD Human Health Holding, the European parent, for possibly delaying competitors from entering the market for a vaginal ring in Spain.