Sanofi faces EU scrutiny as Brussels reviews proposed competition remedies

Wednesday 08 July 2026 - 10:21

By: Sahili Aya

Sanofi faces EU scrutiny as Brussels reviews proposed competition remedies

The European Commission has opened a new phase in its examination of Sanofi’s practices in the influenza vaccine market, seeking feedback on commitments proposed by the French pharmaceutical group to address concerns over possible anti-competitive conduct.

The move follows an investigation launched by Brussels into allegations that Sanofi may have used misleading commercial practices to promote its high-dose flu vaccine Efluelda while undermining confidence in a competing product, Fluad, developed by CSL Seqirus.

According to the European Commission, the review focuses on marketing activities carried out mainly in France and Germany. Authorities are assessing whether Sanofi’s communications could have affected fair competition between vaccine manufacturers and influenced healthcare professionals’ choices.

Brussels evaluates Sanofi’s proposed commitments

Rather than immediately pursuing formal infringement proceedings, the European Commission is examining corrective measures proposed by Sanofi. The consultation process will allow market participants and interested parties to provide comments on whether these commitments are sufficient to address competition concerns.

EU competition authorities regularly use this procedure when companies offer solutions designed to modify potentially problematic business practices. If accepted, the commitments could become legally binding and bring the investigation to an end without a formal finding of wrongdoing.

Competition concerns in the vaccine sector

The European pharmaceutical market has faced increasing scrutiny in recent years as regulators seek to ensure that innovation, pricing and commercial strategies do not restrict competition or limit access to alternative treatments.

Vaccines represent a particularly sensitive area due to their importance in public health policies, especially during seasonal influenza campaigns, when governments and healthcare systems rely on several suppliers to maintain availability and choice.

Sanofi remains one of the world’s leading vaccine producers, while CSL Seqirus is also a major player in the influenza vaccine market. Any regulatory action affecting their commercial practices could have wider implications for competition within Europe’s healthcare industry.

A closely watched regulatory process

The Commission’s decision to request market feedback does not constitute a final conclusion regarding Sanofi’s conduct. The company will have the opportunity to respond as the review continues.

The outcome of the process could determine whether Sanofi’s proposed measures are considered adequate or whether Brussels decides to pursue further enforcement action under EU competition rules.

For the pharmaceutical industry, the case highlights the growing attention regulators are paying to marketing strategies, particularly in markets where scientific information and public trust play a central role in consumer and institutional decisions.