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Italy's antitrust regulator opens probe into US Biogen over alleged dominant position - Finance news and analysis from Global Banking & Finance Review
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Italy's antitrust regulator opens probe into US Biogen over alleged dominant position

Published by Global Banking & Finance Review

Posted on May 27, 2026

1 min read

· Last updated: May 27, 2026

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Italy Launches Antitrust Investigation Into Biogen Over MS Drug Market

Overview of the Antitrust Probe

Initiation of the Investigation

MILAN, May 27 (Reuters) - Italy's antitrust authority said on Wednesday it had opened an investigation into drug maker Biogen Italia and its parent Biogen over alleged abuse of dominant position.

Allegations Against Biogen

The two companies allegedly aimed at excluding rival Sandoz from offering multiple sclerosis drugs, based on active ingredient natalizumab, the regulator said in a statement.

Regulatory Actions and Company Response

The watchdog carried out inspections at Biogen's Italian offices, assisted by Italy's finance police, it added.

Biogen was not immediately available for comment.

(Reporting by Cristina Carlevaro, editing by Giulia Segreti)

Key Takeaways

  • The probe targets potential anti‑competitive conduct: Biogen may have attempted to exclude Sandoz’s natalizumab biosimilar from the Italian multiple sclerosis market, drawing scrutiny under EU competition law.
  • AGCM executed dawn raids at Biogen’s Italian offices on May 27, 2026, aided by Guardia di Finanza; this follows similar pharmaceutical‑sector probes, illustrating increased regulatory focus on biosimilar competition.
  • A parallel case exists: AGCM previously investigated Biogen, Samsung Bioepis and others over alleged delays in launching the ranibizumab biosimilar Byooviz, underscoring ongoing scrutiny of conduct delaying biosimilar entry in Italy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is Italy's antitrust authority investigating Biogen?
The authority suspects Biogen of abusing a dominant position to exclude rival Sandoz from the multiple sclerosis drug market in Italy.
Which drug is at the center of the Biogen investigation?
The investigation focuses on drugs based on the active ingredient natalizumab, used to treat multiple sclerosis.
Who assisted the Italian antitrust authority during the inspection?
Italy's finance police assisted the regulator during inspections at Biogen's Italian offices.
Has Biogen responded to the investigation?
According to the report, Biogen was not immediately available for comment.

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