Sanofi avoids fine as EU ends antitrust probe over alleged disparagement of rival flu vaccine

EU antitrust regulators have closed a probe into Sanofi after the company offered concessions, allowing it to avoid a monetary penalty.

The investigation centered on a campaign that allegedly portrayed the Fluad vaccine from CSL Seqirus as inferior to Sanofi’s own Efluelda flu shot, targeting health‑care professionals in Germany and France where Sanofi holds a dominant market position.

To settle the case, Sanofi agreed to launch a corrective communication campaign to address the “possible disparaging behavior” and pledged not to repeat such actions in the future.

The resolution highlights ongoing scrutiny of competitive practices in the European vaccine market and underscores the importance of transparent marketing for pharmaceutical firms.