EU Launches Antitrust Investigation Against Sanofi, Alleging Disparagement of Rival Flu Vaccines
nashnova research
The European Commission has launched a formal antitrust investigation into Sanofi (SNY), alleging it ran misleading campaigns to disparage a rival flu vaccine; the probe puts Sanofi's vaccine marketing strategy and dominant position in Germany and France under direct regulatory pressure.
What exactly is Sanofi accused of?
The EU Commission alleges Sanofi ran misleading promotional campaigns to disparage a competitor's flu vaccine, breaching EU competition rules.
The probe targets Germany and France — two markets where the Commission says Sanofi holds a dominant position.
This means → this is not a routine advertising dispute. It is an antitrust-level investigation, carrying penalties far heavier than a marketing infraction.
Two vaccines — what is the fight about?
At the center are two enhanced flu vaccines for people aged 60 and over: Sanofi's Efluelda and Fluad, made by CSL Seqirus.
Fluad is currently the only rival enhanced flu vaccine recommended in the EU for high-risk vulnerable groups.
The Commission says Sanofi portrayed Fluad as inferior to Efluelda, contradicting national vaccination recommendations in multiple member states, with campaigns aimed at healthcare professionals in Germany and France.
In plain terms = Sanofi is accused of telling doctors the rival shot is worse — even though official guidelines do not support that claim.
Where did the investigation come from?
The formal probe follows a dawn raid on Sanofi's offices by the Commission in September 2025.
Sanofi said at the time it believed it was compliant and would cooperate fully.
This reflects that nearly a year passed between the raid and the formal case — the Commission has completed preliminary evidence gathering and moved into a substantive phase.
What does this mean for the market?
The outcome will directly affect whether Sanofi can sustain its vaccine promotion strategy in core European markets.
A finding of violation could bring heavy fines and force Sanofi to change its commercial conduct in Germany and France.
This means → it is a pivotal moment for the European vaccine competitive landscape — for rivals like CSL Seqirus, the ruling could open market access.
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