The Competition Commission of South Africa has announced an investigation into Johnson & Johnson (J&J; NYSE: JNJ) concerning allegations of profiteering on the multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) drug Sirturo (bedaquiline) and employing evergreening practices to extend its patent until 2027.
Investigation Details and Pricing Concerns
The government currently pays ZAR 5,400 (USD 285) per 6-month treatment for Sirturo, which is more than twice the ZAR 2,446 (USD 129) cost available to members of the Global Drug Facility—a mechanism inaccessible to countries with open tender systems like South Africa. The watchdog agency suspects that J&J is unjustifiably extending Sirturo’s patent through trivial secondary patents that received insufficient scrutiny, thereby blocking generic versions from entering the market. This marks the first investigation on evergreening by a pharmaceutical company in South Africa.
J&J’s Response and TB Impact in South Africa
J&J has stated that it collaborates with the South African government to ensure access to Sirturo for all MDR-TB patients, contributing to the reduction of the disease’s incidence. According to sources, tuberculosis is the leading cause of death in South Africa, highlighting the critical need for affordable and accessible treatment options.-Fineline Info & Tech
