The French Competition Authority Follows up Allegations of Anti-competitive Practices by Sanofi-Aventis to Exclude Fair Generic Competition for Plavix(R) (clopidogrel)

Utrecht, The Netherlands, May 19, 2010 (ots/PRNewswire) - Teva Santé,
one of France's leading generic medicines companies, has welcomed
news that the French Competition Authority has agreed to its request
to investigate alleged anti-competitive practices by Sanofi-Aventis
aimed at preventing generic competition to its Plavix(R)
(clopidogrel) treatment.

In November last year, Teva Santé filed a complaint with the
French Competition Authority against alleged practices by
Sanofi-Aventis which, according to Teva Santé, had the effect of
excluding generic drugs competing with Plavix(R) including Teva's own
clopidogrel generic medicine.

In its decision published yesterday, the French Competition
Authority said that it intends to carry out an in-depth investigation
on alleged behaviour by Sanofi-Aventis to shut out generic
competition.

According to the Authority, Sanofi-Aventis' communications toward
scientists and practitioners emphasise differences between Plavix(R)
and competing generics (including Clopidogrel Teva Pharma 75 mg)
without revealing that these differences have no impact on the
therapeutic efficacy of the product, and that the generic formulation
has been fully tested and approved for use by medical authorities
across Europe.

Dr. Gerard van Odijk, CEO of Teva Europe, welcomed the
Authority's ruling: "We believe in a fair and open market that
delivers affordable healthcare for patients and the taxpayer across
Europe. The Authority's decision to investigate Sanofi-Aventis'
behaviour underlines our view that such practices are likely to
prevent access to competition and damage the long-term interests of
patients."

Maurice Chagnaud, CEO of Teva Santé, said: "Innovator companies
need to understand that they cannot use misleading practices to
prevent competition from therapeutically equivalent and effective
generic products. Generic medicines help make healthcare affordable,
and we consider that practices aimed at stifling fair competition are
unlawful."

Teva Pharmaceuticals Europe BV

Computerweg 10, 3542 DR Utrecht, Netherlands

Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. , headquartered in Israel, is
among the top 15 pharmaceutical companies in the world and is the
leading generic pharmaceutical company. The company develops,
manufactures and markets generic and innovative pharmaceuticals and
active pharmaceutical ingredients. Over 80 percent of Teva's sales
are in North America and Western Europe.

ots Originaltext: Teva Pharmaceuticals Europe BV
Im Internet recherchierbar: http://www.presseportal.de

Contact:
CONTACT: Media contact: Paul Williams, Teva Europe,
+44(0)7798-582889,paul.williams@tevauk.com