Sanofi

Germany wants to reduce its risky dependence on drug imports by increasing local production. Sanofi lays the foundation for an insulin plant in Frankfurt and announces investments of €2 billion. Other pharmaceutical companies have so far been more cautious about similar expansion plans. » More on capital.de

Sanofi lays the foundation stone for a new insulin factory in Frankfurt and plans to produce at least 1.1 tonnes of insulin annually by 2042; until commissioning in 2032 the company will rely on existing German capacities. CEO Belén Garijo emphasizes the priority of supply security, a regional production strategy (Frankfurt and China) and the need for a European industrial policy. In view of falling prices due to biosimilars and tightened national cost-containment measures, Garijo points to risks but remains committed to the investments and aims to strengthen the pipeline through an R&D focus on immunology, rare diseases, vaccines and targeted acquisitions. » More on faz.net

Sanofi is starting construction of a new insulin production facility in Frankfurt that is due to become operational in 2032 and is intended to be the largest production site within the EU. The project costs about two billion euros; the city, state and federal government contributed 400 million euros in subsidies tied to conditions: at least 1.1 tonnes of annual production, a one-tonne crisis reserve and prioritising supply to the EU market in case of shortages. Sanofi stresses the strategic importance for supply security and a low dependence on active ingredient deliveries from Asia (around 5% according to the company). A parallel plant is being built in China; both sites are to work closely together going forward, as shifted competitor capacities and copycat products increase insulin demand. » More on faz.net