Sanofi Offers EU Antitrust Concessions in Flu Vaccine Competition Probe
Brussels: French pharmaceutical company Sanofi has offered to state publicly that a rival flu vaccine is as effective as its own, EU antitrust regulators said on Wednesday of the company, which faces a fine for allegedly disparaging its competitor.
Sanofi's proposal came two weeks after the Commission opened an investigation into whether the company disparaged a rival vaccine called "Fluad" made by CSL Seqirus, primarily in France and Germany, which competes with its "Efluelda" flu vaccine.
The EU antitrust regulators said such behaviour may have restricted competition for such vaccines in Germany and France.
Sanofi said it was complying with the Commission to bring the proceedings to a swift conclusion.
"The submission of commitments does not imply any finding of infringement. Sanofi remains confident that it has acted, and continues to act, in full compliance with all applicable laws and regulations, including competition law," the company said.
EU regulators have in recent years handed out hefty fines to drugmakers charged with badmouthing rivals. Such sanctions can be as much as 10% of a company's global annual turnover.
Sanofi's proposal includes publishing a statement on its German and French websites for two years, stating that national immunisation technical advisory groups in both countries have assessed both vaccines and recommend them equally for elderly people.
It will also refrain from portraying Fluad negatively, suggesting that Efluelda is safer or more effective, or mischaracterising scientific studies involving the rival.
Sanofi's offer would be valid until March 2030 if accepted by the EU competition watchdog, which gave third parties until August 21 to provide feedback before it decides whether to accept the proposal.
Disclaimer: This website is primarily for healthcare professionals. The content here does not replace medical advice and should not be used as medical, diagnostic, endorsement, treatment, or prescription advice. Medical science evolves rapidly, and we strive to keep our information current. If you find any discrepancies, please contact us at corrections@medicaldialogues.in. Read our Correction Policy here. Nothing here should be used as a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. We do not endorse any healthcare advice that contradicts a physician's guidance. Use of this site is subject to our Terms of Use, Privacy Policy, and Advertisement Policy. For more details, read our Full Disclaimer here.
NOTE: Join us in combating medical misinformation. If you encounter a questionable health, medical, or medical education claim, email us at factcheck@medicaldialogues.in for evaluation.