Overview
Depakine valproate class action lawsuits (Sanofi) — France’s first class action decided under the 2014 French class-action law. The Paris court ruled against Sanofi in January 2022 over valproate (Depakine) birth-defect claims, and individual compensation orders followed, including a €285,000 award to one mother in 2024 (per BCLP and BMJ). The case concerns the drug’s use by pregnant women and alleged failure to inform about risks to children (per court rulings). Additional class members’ claims continued through 2026; we track the public record only.
Status of the science / claims: Valproate exposure in pregnancy (Depakine) has been linked to birth defects and developmental disorders; the Paris court found Sanofi liable on failure-to-inform grounds (per BCLP and BMJ).
Companies involved
Settlement amounts
Individual awards ordered by French courts include €285,000 in one 2024 case (per BMJ); the 2022 liability ruling set the foundation for further claims. Total amounts are case-by-case; no amount can be promised.
Key dates
- September 17, 2024French court orders €285,000 to a mother over Depakine birth defects (per BMJ)
- January 26, 2022Paris court rules against Sanofi in the Depakine class action (per BCLP)
- January 1, 2014France’s class-action mechanism comes into force (2014 law)
Updates
- Updated Sep 17, 2024New case (Sep 2026, FR): Depakine class action — first under France’s 2014 law; Paris court ruled against Sanofi (2022); €285,000 individual award (2024, per BMJ).
Notable filings
No notable filings recorded yet. Docket entries are added from public court records as they appear.
FAQ
Why is Sanofi being sued over Depakine?
Families allege Sanofi failed to adequately inform about valproate (Depakine) risks in pregnancy, which are linked to birth defects and developmental disorders (per court rulings and BMJ).
Was there a French class-action ruling?
Yes — the Paris court ruled against Sanofi in January 2022 in the first class action decided under France’s 2014 class-action law (per BCLP).
How much can claimants get?
Individual awards are case-specific; one mother received €285,000 in 2024 (per BMJ). No blanket amount can be promised.
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