FTC challenges Sanofi's proposed license deal with Maze Therapeutics

The US Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is seeking to block French pharma major Sanofi’s (Euronext: SAN) proposed acquisition of an exclusive license to Maze Therapeutics therapy in development for treatment of Pompe disease.

The Commission yesterday issued an administrative complaint and authorized a lawsuit in federal court alleging the deal, valued at up to $755 million, would eliminate a nascent competitor poised to challenge Sanofi’s monopoly in the Pompe disease therapy market.

“Sanofi’s acquisition of Maze’s Pompe disease drug threatens to deprive patients of a new, innovative treatment and maintain a status quo of exorbitant pricing for essential life-saving medicines,” said Nate Soderstrom, acting deputy director of the FTC’s Bureau of Competition, adding: “The FTC is challenging Sanofi’s deal with Maze because it’s critical that patients and doctors have access to innovative, affordable treatment options.”