French Court Fines Sanofi $177 Million for Anti-Competitive Practices

A French court has ordered pharmaceutical giant Sanofi to pay €165 million (around $177 million) after finding the company guilty of engaging in anti-competitive behavior.

The case centers on allegations that Sanofi sought to undermine rival products and limit competition in the pharmaceutical market. Regulators accused the company of spreading misleading information and using its dominant position to protect sales of its own treatments.

According to the ruling, these practices distorted fair competition and restricted choices for healthcare providers and patients. The penalty is one of the largest imposed on a pharmaceutical company in France, reflecting the seriousness with which regulators are treating anti-competitive conduct in the healthcare sector.

Sanofi has said it is reviewing the decision and may consider its legal options. The company maintains that it acted within the law and has expressed commitment to compliance with European competition rules.

Analysts note that the ruling could serve as a warning to other multinational firms operating in the region, as regulators continue to tighten oversight of the pharmaceutical industry.