The European Commission has accepted commitments from Sanofi to address its preliminary concerns regarding potential anticompetitive disparagement of the Fluad vaccine, which competes with Sanofi's Efluelda. These commitments are now legally binding under EU antitrust rules.

Sanofi's alleged disparagement campaign, which took place in Germany and France, suggested that the evidence supporting Fluad was weaker than that for Efluelda, contradicting findings from health authorities. The Commission found that Sanofi may hold a dominant position in the enhanced flu vaccine market and that its actions could restrict competition.

To remedy the situation, Sanofi has committed to refrain from making negative statements about Fluad in its promotional materials and to actively communicate the equivalence of Fluad and Efluelda in protecting elderly patients against flu. This includes publishing clarifications on its websites and sending statements to healthcare professionals who were previously targeted by the disparagement campaign.

The Commission conducted a market test of these commitments, which led to adjustments in Sanofi's proposals. A monitoring trustee will oversee the implementation of these commitments, ensuring compliance and addressing any further concerns.