Buenos Aires – A federal judge has dismissed a precautionary measure sought by Biogenesis Bagó, the laboratory headed by Hugo Sigman, challenging recent regulations issued by Argentina’s National Food Safety and Quality Service (Senasa) regarding animal vaccine approvals. The ruling marks a significant setback for the company in its opposition to Senasa’s policies, which Biogenesis Bagó claims pose risks to animal and public health.
The dispute centers on Senasa resolutions that Biogenesis Bagó argues are “null of absolute nullity,” equating sensitive products like vaccines with less critical items and failing to guarantee quality standards in imported products. The company contended the regulations ”violate the principle of hierarchy.” judge Lavié Pico, however, ruled that Biogenesis Bagó failed to demonstrate the likelihood of its claims or the illegitimacy of Senasa’s resolutions, affirming Senasa’s authority to establish such regulations.
The case stems from Senasa’s move to broaden access to vaccines, notably those targeting Aphyosa, a disease affecting livestock. According to Minister of Agriculture José Bonafini Sturzenegger, previous regulations effectively granted Biogenesis Bagó a near-monopoly on the vaccine market for over two decades, requiring four vaccine strains, two of which were exclusively held by the laboratory. Sturzenegger stated President Javier Milei “reversed” this situation “in a few hours.”
Biogenesis Bagó argued the Senasa resolutions represent a “risk and harm for animal health and public health.” Sturzenegger responded to the judge’s decision with a sharp critique, suggesting the company’s challenge was a “joke” given its previously privileged market position.The ruling allows Senasa to continue implementing its new regulations, possibly increasing competition and lowering costs for argentine livestock producers.
