Sanofi Ordered to Pay €150.7 Million in Anti-Competition Ruling

Key Takeaways

• Damages Ordered: Sanofi must pay €150.7 million ($177.1 million) to France’s national health insurance fund (CNAM).
• Anti-Competitive Practices: Paris appeals court found the company acted to protect Plavix sales.
• Prior Fine: France’s competition authority had already fined Sanofi €40.6 million in 2013.
• Extended Impact: Court ruled the effects of Sanofi’s practices stretched until 2021, inflating healthcare costs.
• Next Steps: Sanofi is reviewing the judgment and may appeal to the French Supreme Court.

Deep Dive

Sanofi has been ordered to pay €150.7 million ($177.1 million) in damages to France’s national health insurance fund (CNAM) after a Paris appeals court found the drugmaker engaged in anti-competitive practices to protect sales of its anti-clotting drug Plavix, Reuters first reported.

The case stretches back more than a decade. In 2013, France’s competition authority fined Sanofi €40.6 million for discouraging doctors and pharmacists from turning to cheaper generic versions of Plavix between 2009 and 2010. The appeals court has now determined that the impact of Sanofi’s tactics extended far beyond that short window, influencing prescribing behavior until 2021.

That extended influence carried a steep cost. The court said Plavix was France’s most reimbursed drug in 2008, costing the healthcare system €625 million that year alone. CNAM was awarded €126.2 million for added reimbursement costs and pharmacy fees, plus an additional €24.5 million for other financial damages.

Sanofi, which defended its conduct during the proceedings, said it is still reviewing the judgment and may appeal to the French Supreme Court.

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