Overview

• European Commission representatives conducted on-site searches on 29 September at Sanofi locations in France and Germany in an investigation into suspected abuse of a dominant position in the seasonal influenza vaccine market.
• Local competition authorities joined the inspections, which the Commission stressed do not imply any finding of wrongdoing.
• Sanofi said it is confident it has complied with applicable rules, pledged to cooperate with Brussels, and declined further comment at this stage.
• Seasonal flu vaccines are a key Sanofi business with competitors including Viatris and CSL Seqirus, and one Sanofi shot for older adults, Efluelda, has figured in past French health-policy debates.
• Investor reaction was muted, with Sanofi shares edging up about 0.34% the day after the searches as the probe proceeds at an evidentiary stage.