European Union Investigates Pharmaceutical Company Practices Regarding Generic Drugs, Competition

They want to know why.... and the article states they are not alone...why the delay on cheaper generic drugs...this year has had the lowest number of new drugs introduced to the market as well...

The European Union on Wednesday raided pharmaceutical companies in several countries as part of an investigation into potential efforts by drug makers to prevent generic or competing drugs from reaching markets, the Wall Street Journal reports (Forelle/Whalen, Wall Street Journal, 1/17).
Officials from AstraZeneca, GlaxoSmithKline, Johnson & Johnson, Merck, Pfizer, Sandoz, Sanofi-Aventis and Wyeth confirmed that they were contacted by regulators and said they are cooperating with the investigations. Neelie Kroes, the European competition commissioner, said the European Union was working closely with U.S. officials, adding, "We're not the only one active in this."
According to the commission, "Fewer new pharmaceuticals are being brought to the market and the entry of generic pharmaceuticals sometimes seems to be delayed. ... If innovative products are not being produced, and cheaper generic alternatives to existing products are in some cases being delayed, then we need to find out why and, if necessary, take action." From 2000 to 2004, 28 types of new drugs were launched, compared to 40 between 1995 and 1999, according to Kroes (Baltimore Sun, 1/17). In addition, Kroes said, "The pharmaceutical markets are not working as well as they might" (Wall Street Journal, 1/17).