South Africa Ends J&J Investigation After TB Drug Price Cut, Patent Withdrawal

Johnson & Johnson agrees to lower the cost of bedaquiline by 40% and allows generic production to widen access.

The South African Competition Commission stopped its probe into J&J over allegations of excessive pricing.
J&J will not enforce its secondary patent on bedaquiline, facilitating cheaper, generic versions.
The decision is expected to improve treatment access for drug-resistant tuberculosis in South Africa.
Medical advocacy groups have praised the move as a victory against pharmaceutical monopolies.
South Africa's action may prompt further scrutiny of pharmaceutical pricing strategies globally.