Exclusive-EU set to fine Teva for disparaging rival multiple sclerosis medicine, sources say

BRUSSELS (Reuters) - EU antitrust regulators are set to fine world No. 1 generic drugmaker Teva in the coming weeks for disparaging a rival product to its blockbuster multiple sclerosis medicine Copaxone, people with direct knowledge of the matter said on Tuesday.

The move will come after the European Commission charged the Israeli company two years ago for breaching EU antitrust rules, saying its anti-competitive behaviour included misusing the patent system to artificially extend Copaxone's patent.

Companies found guilty of EU antitrust violations risk fines as much as 10% of their global annual turnover, although this is rare.

(Reporting by Foo Yun Chee; Editing by Mark Potter)