Chapter 183 Generic Drugs

Chapter 183 Generic Drugs

On the way back, Evelyn remained silent, leaning against the seat and staring blankly out the window, her thoughts drifting to the past.

Thinking about all the injustices she'd endured before, she had thought she'd forgotten them, but now they seemed vivid as yesterday.

She could deceive others but not herself—those events still haunted her.

Seeing her pained expression, Louis felt somewhat regretful. "It's all my fault. I shouldn't have arranged for his early release."

"I thought... perhaps it would be better for everyone..."

Hearing Louis's concerned words, Evelyn shook her head and quickly reassured him, "I know this has nothing to do with you. You meant well. I was too naive—I sensed something was off but still let compassion cloud my judgment."

"Now that it's happened, we can only take things one step at a time."

Louis's eyes filled with guilt, both knowing more trouble awaited them.

Back at the lab.

Evelyn worked somewhat distractedly until she heard urgent footsteps outside. Her assistant Kevin burst in, furious.

Evelyn glanced up. "What happened?"

Kevin was seething with anger. "Just got word—someone's counterfeited our medication and they're already looking for endorsers."

Hearing this, Evelyn showed little surprise. There were many similar products, but few could truly replicate theirs.

"What nonsense are you talking about?" Evelyn seemed distracted, still reviewing the report in her hands, but Kevin persisted.

"It's true. The published content, ingredients, and effects—they're exactly like our product."

At this, Evelyn became more alert. "Who's their spokesperson?"

"Harry."

The moment he finished speaking, Evelyn's pen pressed harder, tearing through the report in her hand, her eyes flashing with malice.

Evelyn and Neo called an emergency meeting to discuss the situation.

In the conference room, everyone found the current circumstances troublesome. "Judging from their published ingredients, effects, and marketing approach, they're virtually identical to ours. And they've already passed approval, which means they're likely completely copying our medication."

As soon as he finished, everyone in the room began murmuring. Evelyn's expression darkened.

For a product to be replicated to this extent meant only one thing—their research had been leaked.

But right now, finding the leak wasn't the priority. They needed to handle the upcoming challenges.

"The most important thing now is not letting them launch first. After all, consumers don't care who developed the drug. Whoever releases first will be perceived as the original developer. This is up to the marketing department now."

After the meeting, as Evelyn lingered, Neo approached her. "Don't you think they're deliberately targeting us?"

Evelyn shook her head indifferently. The intention was too obvious, though such incidents weren't unprecedented.

"If our marketing team can launch first, we still have a chance to fight back. But this drug passed through many hands from development to release—finding who leaked the detailed data won't be easy."

At this point, Evelyn suddenly thought they might investigate from the competitor's side.

"Let's split up. You handle the marketing department, I'll investigate this competitor's information. Maybe we can find some leads."

After a brief discussion, they decided to act immediately.

Evelyn began investigating the information they'd obtained and discovered the competitor was called Skylark Pharmaceuticals.

The company name seemed familiar. After checking their registration location and related information, she was shocked to discover this was the same research institute that had opposed Leona before.

Evelyn's brow furrowed tightly as she immediately guessed something.

This research institute had backing from Scott Corporation, and Mrs. King might be involved too.

If that were true, their current strength was insufficient to directly confront Mrs. King.

Rather than burn bridges, it would be better to use other methods.

Leona approached from behind, noticing Evelyn's serious expression. "Well? Found anything?"

As she spoke, Leona leaned in. Seeing the content, she looked equally shocked. "Isn't this the research institute that opposed me before? They're connected? Does that mean the same person is behind both?"

Evelyn laughed coldly and shook her head. "Whether it's the same person, we don't know, but clearly everyone's racing against time."

"Looks like we need to move up the endorsement shoot. If they capture the market first, things will get difficult for us."

With that, Evelyn immediately called the production team's contact.

Leona watched her pace the room, sometimes frowning, sometimes speaking persuasively, realizing this situation was tricky.

After a while, Evelyn emerged from the conference room. Leona immediately asked about the outcome. "How did it go? Did they agree?"

Evelyn took a deep breath. Though the process was troublesome, the final result was acceptable. "After all, we're the ones requesting early filming—they need to adjust their schedule for us. But we managed to work it out. We can shoot tomorrow night."

Leona seemed surprised. "Tomorrow night? Isn't that too soon?"

Though having the children endorse was unanimously recommended by the entire research team, they were young and inexperienced. Such sudden advancement might be difficult for them to adapt to.

Evelyn naturally understood this, but they had no other option. "Marketing is already working on it. Our endorsement needs to keep pace. Only by beating them to market can we maintain an advantage."

"I'll contact the preschool teacher right away and have them released early tomorrow."

Watching Evelyn's hurried demeanor, Leona shook her head helplessly, realizing there wasn't much she could do to help.