Italy probes Biogen for allegedly hindering sales of rival's MS drug

Italy’s antitrust authority (AGCM) has opened an investigation into Biogen Italia and its U.S. parent Biogen over allegations that the company hindered sales of a cheaper rival multiple sclerosis (MS) drug from Sandoz.

The probe centers on Biogen’s anti‑JCV Stratify test, which is used to assess the risk of a serious brain infection in MS patients treated with natalizumab‑based drugs.

AGCM alleges that Biogen tied use of the Stratify test to the purchase of its own branded drug, Tysabri, and refused to make the test commercially available for patients on Sandoz’s biosimilar Tyruko, a move that could limit competition and reduce savings for Italy’s national health service.

Inspectors from the AGCM, supported by Italy’s Guardia di Finanza, carried out onsite inspections at Biogen’s Milan offices as part of the investigation; Biogen has stated it is fully cooperating with the authorities.