In a move aimed at tackling rising pharmaceutical prices, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has initiated a challenge against patents on 20 brand name drugs, including the widely used weight-loss injection Ozempic. The Biden administration continues its efforts to curb industry practices that contribute to high drug costs.

The FTC sent warning letters to 10 drug manufacturers, questioning the validity of patents related to popular drugs used for weight loss, diabetes, asthma, and other respiratory conditions. Among the companies targeted are Novo Nordisk, GlaxoSmithKline, and AstraZeneca. The commission alleges that certain patents filed by these companies, as well as seven others, are misleading or inaccurate.

Pharmaceutical companies rely on patents to shield their medications from generic competition and subsequently maintain higher prices. Blockbuster drugs are typically protected by numerous patents that cover various elements such as ingredients, manufacturing processes, and intellectual property. Generic drug manufacturers can only enter the market with cheaper alternatives once patents have expired or successfully challenged in court.

FTC Chair Lina Khan condemned the practice, stating, "By filing bogus patent listings, pharma companies block competition and inflate the cost of prescription drugs, forcing Americans to pay sky-high prices for medicines they rely on." This move comes as part of President Biden's broader strategy to address the issue of soaring drug prices.

Ozempic, a weight-loss drug originally developed for diabetes treatment but recently approved for obesity treatment, has witnessed a surge in prescribing. Medicare spending on these drugs has also seen a notable increase in recent years. Novo Nordisk, the manufacturer of Ozempic, declined to comment on the FTC's challenge to its patents.

This action follows a similar move by the FTC in September, where more than 100 patents held by drugmakers, including Abbvie, AstraZeneca, and Boehringer Ingelheim, were challenged. The companies targeted by the recent warning letters have 30 days to either withdraw or update their patent listings, or provide a certification, under penalty of perjury, confirming the legitimacy of their patents. These patents are registered with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the authority responsible for reviewing and approving new drugs.

President Biden's comprehensive approach to lowering drug prices includes measures such as allowing Medicare to negotiate with drugmakers and permitting states like Florida to import cheaper medications from other countries. The FTC's challenges to patents represent a significant step towards achieving this goal, particularly in the face of rising healthcare costs and the need for accessible and affordable medication.