(Reuters) – The Paris Court of Appeal announced on Wednesday that it has sentenced Sanofi and Sanofi Winthrop Industry to pay 150.7 million euros at the National Health Insurance Fund (CNAM) as damages, in compensation for damage suffered due to anti -competitive practices.
The court’s decision confirms that of the competition authority, which had sanctioned the two companies in 2013 “for having implemented a denigration strategy against the generics of Plavix®”, according to a press release.
Plavix, an anti -scoring platelet, is one of the best -selling drugs in the world and the first health insurance reimbursement position in France.
The French pharmaceutical group is convicted of having implemented, between September 2009 and January 2010, “a denigrating communication strategy” aimed at encouraging doctors to promote Plavix and its own generic to the detriment of competitors, underlines the court.
“Although these practices took place over a limited period of 5 months, (..) they had a lasting effect with these professionals, noticeable until 2021,” she added.
The CNAM had seized the Commercial Court of Paris, believing that the actions of Sanofi had led to assuming higher reimbursements and granting greater remuneration to pharmacists.
In a press release, Sanofi said they took note of the judgment rendered by the Paris Court of Appeal.
The group also says they analyze the reasons for the judgment of the Court of Appeal and reserves the right to form an appeal in cassation.
(Written by Augustin Turpin, edited by Kate Entringer)
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