The European Commission has initiated an antitrust investigation into the French pharmaceutical giant Sanofi, conducting unannounced inspections at its facilities in France and Germany. This probe stems from concerns that Sanofi may have violated EU antitrust regulations by abusing a dominant market position, specifically through "exclusionary practices that may amount to anticompetitive disparagement" within the seasonal flu vaccine sector. This marks a preliminary stage in the investigation, and no formal charges have been brought against the company.
Sanofi confirmed the inspections, stating they relate to its seasonal flu vaccine business, and expressed confidence in its compliance with all relevant rules and regulations. The company pledged full cooperation with the European Commission's ongoing inquiry. Sanofi is a prominent player in the flu vaccine market, offering products such as Vaxigrip, Supemtek Tetra, and Efluelda.
Competitors in the seasonal flu vaccine space include CSL Seqirus and GSK. The investigation highlights the EU's focus on maintaining fair competition, particularly concerning dominant market positions and potential disparagement tactics. Penalties for confirmed antitrust violations can be substantial, with companies facing fines up to 10% of their global turnover. The Commission has not set a legal deadline for concluding its investigation.
