In recent weeks, the Hungarian Competition Authority has launched two investigations in the market for over-the-counter medicines. The proceedings aim to determine whether the conduct of market participants qualifies as anti-competitive and whether this has – among other factors - contributed to the rapid price increases of non-prescription medicines.

A new era is set to begin in European pharmaceutical law: after more than twenty years, the European Union is comprehensively revamping its pharmaceutical regulations, which could fundamentally transform the way the pharmaceutical industry operates. The Pharmaceutical Package aims to enable faster access to affordable medicines, encourage innovation, strengthen the competitiveness of the industry, while also paying attention to the significance of sustainability. Our article summarizes the main elements of the planned changes and their expected impact on manufacturers.

In early September, the French data protection authority issued a precedent-setting decision: it fined Shein’s Irish subsidiary for serious violations of cookie and user consent regulations. The ruling goes far beyond a single fine and sends a clear message: cookie-related data protection rules must be taken seriously.