EU hits France’s Sanofi with flu vaccine antitrust probe

The European Commission announced Friday that it was opening an antitrust probe into French pharmaceutical group Sanofi on suspicion it breached the bloc’s competition rules in promoting a flu vaccine.

The probe centers on how the firm marketed an enhanced flu vaccine, offered under the brand name Efluelda and designed to provide greater protection for people older than 60.

The vaccine in question competes with one marketed by the Australian company CSL Seqirus under the brand name Fluad.

“The commission is concerned that Sanofi pursued a misleading communication campaign to disparage Fluad by portraying it as inferior to Efluelda, going against national vaccination recommendations in several member states,” a commission statement said.

The EU executive, acting as the bloc’s competition watchdog, said the campaign primarily targeted health care professionals in Germany and France, where Sanofi is considered to hold a dominant position.

Sanofi had revealed last September that it was being investigated by the EU over its practices in the highly competitive flu vaccine sector.

Contacted by AFP, the group denied breaking EU rules.

“Sanofi is confident that it has acted, and continues to act, in full compliance with all applicable laws and regulations, including competition rules,” a company spokeswoman said.

She called the EU inquiry “a procedural step” that “does not in any way prejudge the outcome of the investigation.”

“Sanofi remains committed to fair competition and to maintaining patient access to innovative vaccines,” she added.

Flu vaccines are a major business for Sanofi, whose products are widely administered as part of annual national vaccination campaigns, particularly in France.

Aside from CSL Seqirus, its main competitors include the U.S. company Viatris.

If the alleged anticompetitive practices are confirmed, the commission could impose a penalty on Sanofi for abuse of a dominant position in the form of a fine.

As part of the proceedings, Sanofi could also offer commitments to address the commission’s concerns.

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