Spain: CNMC probes market for hormonal inhalers and contraceptives

The National Commission of Markets and Competition (CNMC) of Spain is investigating alleged anti-competitive practices in the market for medical inhalers, as well as in the manufacture and commercialization of hormonal contraceptives, detected following dawn raids carried out between the 21st and the 24th of May.

The CNMC acted on suspicion of an alleged anticompetitive practice, abuse of dominant position. The laboratory investigated in the case of a combined hormonal contraceptive medicine (HCA) “would have carried out a strategy for excluding its competitors by using anticompetitive legal and judicial actions to hinder the entry of medicines from third parties,” the CNMC explained.

Meanwhile, in the case of inhalers, the CNMC carried out dawn raids at the headquarters of a laboratory that manufactured said medication. The lab is thought to have implemented a strategy to exclude its competitors in the supply of these medications for the treatment of obstructive pulmonary diseases for Health Services and hospitals throughout Spain.