PARIS (Reuters – French Court Orders Sanofi (NASDAQ:) To pay over 400,000 Euros ($416,440) damages to a family who suffered an autism-like condition from Valproate’s epilepsy medication. The drugmaker was not informed about any side effects.

In January, a class action landmark recognized the link. This could lead to compensation of hundreds of millions of euro, although Sanofi stated it will appeal.

The most recent ruling was made by Sanofi last week. It can be seen on Saturday by Reuters. According to it, Sanofi should have known of the possibility that pregnant women could take the drug and cause “neuro-behavioural disorder” malformations.

Sanofi indicated in a statement, that they would appeal this decision and added that the drug’s overall benefit-risk ratio is positive.

On Thursday, Nanterre’s court ordered that the company pay the damages to the family and any resulting expenses such as schooling and special care.

Marine Martin, head of APESAC victim advocacy, stated that the verdict in France is the first to establish a connection between Valproate sold in France under the name Depakine and autism in an individual case.

Martin, a mother to a Depakine side effect-stricken child, said that Sanofi should change their position and begin compensating victims.

French health officials have determined that the drug is responsible for the deformities of between 2150-4100 children as well as neuro-developmental problems in around 30400 people.

Sanofi was subject to formal investigation on 2020 manslaughter charges. But, Sanofi denied those allegations at the time and indicated that it would contest the findings of the investigation.

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