“The teams have shown exceptional mobilization to meet the demand.” It is with these words that the president of Sanofi in France begins her hearing before the senators.
Sanofi is the only manufacturer of Doliprane, one of the drugs in tension, especially in its pediatric version. All production comes from their factory in Lisieux. More than 424 million boxes were produced and delivered in 2022, a record since its launch. Production of the pediatric solution increased by 49% last year, with a very strong acceleration at the end of the year. Sanofi says that it has adapted its industrial tool by producing continuously, 7 days a week, 24 hours a day, to meet the strong global demand, due to a triple epidemic this winter, flu, bronchiolitis and covid. The group has put in place a shortage management plan, monitors the stock level on a daily basis and tries to respond to the emergency by importing products from other subsidiaries if necessary. This is “the laboratory’s raison d’être”, continues its president, to make it easier for everyone to treat it.
Profitable drugs?
Some statements that do not seem to have completely convinced the senators present, who are wondering if the group’s industrial strategy will not rather push them to abandon the manufacture of mature and unprofitable chemical drugs. They take as an example the creation in 2021 of Euroapi, the former active ingredients division of Sanofi, which went public last May to increase its independence. Or the closure of several industrial estates considered not very strategic, such as the one in Dijon.
These are not Sanofi replica closures, but rather transfers to other labs or quality subcontractors.
For example, 60 million euros have been invested in the Sisteron center for the construction of a new building dedicated to launching new chemical molecules.
Sanofi Solutions
The members of the investigative commission and Sanofi agreed on one point: supply and shortage tensions in pharmacies are a reality and conditions today are not favorable to guarantee access to medicines for all. Sanofi offers three solutions in the short and medium term. First of all, adopting a real drug policy in France, consistent with the announced health sovereignty, and guaranteeing its financing. Define a list of medicines considered essential or indispensable, involving manufacturers and taking into account their production capacities. Finally, harmonize stocks and packaging standards at a European level to streamline the chain. The Senate commission must deliver its conclusions in early July.
Source: BFM TV
