The Competition Council has launched an investigation and carried out unannounced inspections at the headquarters of pharmaceutical giant MSD in Romania

The Competition Council is investigating whether pharmaceutical group MSD restricted DONA Logistica SA’s access to the sale of certain medicines and whether, by refusing direct collaboration, it affected competition in the wholesale distribution and retail markets. The investigation concerns the products Januvia, Janumet, Remicade, Simponi and Keytruda.

In this context, the competition authority conducted an unannounced inspection at the headquarters of the company under investigation in Romania. The inspection aims to identify and collect the evidence needed to assess possible anti-competitive practices.

The Competition Council stresses that conducting the inspection does not constitute a prejudgment regarding the existence of an infringement of the law. The investigation must establish whether the actions of MSD companies restricted a distributor’s access to medicines and harmed competition to the detriment of consumers.

MSD has operated in Romania for nearly 25 years and is active in areas including oncology, diabetes, immunology, hepatitis C, HIV, antibiotics and antifungals for hospital care, as well as anti-inflammatory drugs. The company recently appointed Conor Dempsey as general manager for Romania and the Republic of Moldova.