Dutch Authorities Open Antitrust Probe into Biogen
The investigation into the Stratify test follows similar legal scrutiny in Italy regarding alleged anti-competitive behavior.
Updated on Oct. 28, 2026 in Biotech
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The Dutch competition authority has launched an antitrust investigation into Biogen regarding its Stratify test. This probe joins an existing Italian investigation that has been active since May 2026.
Why it matters
The parallel inquiries signal increased regulatory scrutiny of Biogen's market practices for the Stratify test across European jurisdictions.
Biogen disclosed the Dutch antitrust probe in a recent regulatory filing, which follows an active Italian investigation into the company's alleged abuse of dominant market position against competitor Sandoz.
The players
Biogen
A biotechnology firm that develops diagnostic tests and therapies for neurological and related conditions.
Sandoz
A global pharmaceutical company specializing in the development and manufacturing of generic and biosimilar medicines.
The details
The antitrust probes center on the Stratify test, a medical diagnostic tool. Regulators in the Netherlands and Italy are examining whether Biogen's commercial activities surrounding the product constitute an abuse of dominant position, potentially hindering fair competition with other firms such as Sandoz.
Timeline
May 2026: Italian regulator began investigation into Stratify test.
October 28, 2026: Biogen disclosed the new Dutch investigation in a regulatory filing.
The Tech Race
The Dutch investigation mirrors the Italian regulator's ongoing effort to police market competition for diagnostic products in Europe. This marks an escalation in regulatory pressure that impacts how companies like Biogen defend their market positions against rivals like Sandoz.
While these investigations are currently in the regulatory phase, outcomes could alter the pricing, availability, or distribution of the Stratify test in European markets. There are no immediate changes for clinicians or users of the diagnostic tool.
The takeaway
European regulators are coalescing around the scrutiny of Biogen's diagnostic business model. Interested parties should watch for the publication of official findings from the Dutch competition authority for potential impact on market access.
Further reading
For broader trends in medical diagnostics and industry regulation, see Biotech.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Mlex.
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