Pfizer sues Johnson & Johnson over anti-competitive tactics

Washington

A LEGAL brawl between two of the world's largest drug companies could shape the future of a nascent market of copycat drugs that are intended to bring down the cost of the most advanced and expensive medicines.

Pfizer filed a lawsuit on Wednesday against fellow pharmaceutical giant Johnson & Johnson for using "anti-competitive" tactics to squash its cheaper version of a powerful rheumatoid arthritis drug.

Johnson & Johnson issued a statement saying the lawsuit had no merit.

If Pfizer is successful, it could discourage brand name companies from using deals with insurers to limit competition in the emerging biosimilar market. If Pfizer loses, the case could highlight a strategy those companies could continue to use to dete…