CSL Vifor is looking to close out a European anti-competitive investigation with a proposed marketing campaign.
The European Commission began investigating Vifor Pharma, now CSL Vifor, in June 2022 over allegations it illegally disparaged its IV iron infusion competitor, Pharmacosmos’ Monofer. The EC alleged Vifor’s actions were aimed at stifling competition for its own high-dose iron IV brand Ferinject, which is marketed as Injectafer in the US.
Vifor was accused of running a “misleading communication campaign, primarily targeting healthcare professionals, which may have unduly hindered Monofer’s uptake in the European Economic Area.” The investigation began after Pharmacosmos filed a complaint with the EC.
CSL Vifor’s resolution, proposed on Friday, includes running a multimedia campaign in nine EU member states and a 10-year pledge not to discuss Monofer’s safety profile in promotions or medical communications. The Vifor plan would not include an admission of liability.
“The commitment proposal reflects several months of detailed discussion with the European Commission. CSL Vifor is pleased to be taking this important step towards resolution of the Commission’s investigation,” a CSL Vifor spokesperson said in an email to Endpoints News.
The EC now is accepting outside comments on the proposal through the next month.
CSL bought Vifor in a $11.7 billion deal in late 2021 and changed the company’s name to CSL Vifor in August 2022.
CSL reported six-month sales of $376 million for Ferinject/Injectafer through December 2023, and it was the leading product in CSL Vifor’s half-year total of $1 billion in sales.