All six companies involved have come clean and opted to settle the case.
Commissioner Didier Reynders issued a stern warning, underlining the importance of fair competition in the pharmaceutical sector.
The product at the center of the maelstrom, ‘N-Butylbromide Scopolamine/Hyoscine’ (SNBB), a crucial component in the production of stomach cramp and period pain relief medication, Buscopan.
The investigation was kick-started by C2 PHARMA in 2019, which cooperated extensively with Swiss and Australian authorities.
C2 PHARMA reaffirmed its commitment to open and fair competition. Boehringer Ingelheim embraced the settlement, vowing allegiance to transparency and accountability, along with unwavering dedication to ethical business practices.
Alchem, the lone defiant, faces ongoing investigations.
The fines meted out were meticulously calculated, considering sales values and the extent of the breach.
Transo-Pharm and Linnea received leniency for their cooperation, with a 10% reduction to all fines for admitting guilt.