01:37 PM EDT, 09/10/2024 (MT Newswires) -- (Updates with additional details from the second paragraph.)

Teva Pharmaceutical Industries ( TEVA ) is expected to face a fine by the European Union antitrust watchdog for being dismissive of a rival multiple sclerosis product competing with Copaxone, multiple sources reported Tuesday, citing people aware of the situation.

In 2022, the European Commission found that Teva breached EU antitrust rules by "artificially extending" Copaxone's patent protection and hindering a competing product's market entry by casting doubts on its safety and efficacy.

The regulator plans to impose the fine on Teva before the end of current competition commissioner Margrethe Vestager's term in Brussels, although this timeline may be subject to change, Bloomberg reported, citing people familiar with the matter.

The European Commission declined Reuters' comment request and Teva didn't immediately respond, Reuters said.

Spokespeople for Teva and the Commission declined Bloomberg's comment requests, the report said.

Neither Teva nor the Commission immediately responded to MT Newswires' requests for comment.

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