FTC seeks to block Sanofi deal for exclusive license for Maze Pompe therapy

The Federal Trade Commission is seeking to block Sanofi’s proposed acquisition of an exclusive license to Maze Therapeutics’ therapy in development for treatment of Pompe disease. The Commission today issued an administrative complaint and authorized a lawsuit in federal court alleging the deal, valued at up to $755M, would eliminate a nascent competitor poised to challenge Sanofi’s monopoly in the Pompe disease therapy market. The complaint, which also names Genzyme Corporation, the Sanofi subsidiary seeking to license the drug from Maze, alleges the transaction would protect Sanofi’s monopoly and eliminate competition between Sanofi and Maze to develop new Pompe drugs, denying patients and doctors the benefits of competition, including lower prices and greater innovation.