Sanofi and Cheplapharm have announced plans to establish a new strategic partnership that will see Cheplapharm take over 20 mature medicines and three manufacturing sites worldwide. The agreement will also give Sanofi a 26.4% equity stake in Cheplapharm. The companies said the move builds on a collaboration that began in 2014.
The partnership reflects a shared view that innovative and mature medicines require different operating models to meet manufacturing, regulatory and commercial needs. Cheplapharm’s expertise will support the next stage of these medicines’ life cycle.
Thomas Grenier, Executive Vice President, General Medicines, Sanofi, said: “Our multi-year journey to simplify our mature portfolio has enabled us to focus on innovation while ensuring mature medicines continue to reach patients who need them. Cheplapharm has been a trusted partner for more than a decade and this transaction significantly builds on its prior acquisitions from Sanofi’s mature medicines portfolio.”
He added: “This new partnership, together with our equity stake in Cheplapharm, underscores our commitment to ensuring patients continue to benefit from today’s essential medicines while also pursuing tomorrow’s breakthroughs.”
Edeltraud Lafer and Sebastian Braun, Co-CEOs of Cheplapharm, explained: “This partnership marks a major milestone for Cheplapharm. Through this project, we are incorporating products that complement our extensive portfolio, as well as the expertise and manufacturing capabilities required to produce a flagship product, Lovenox/Clexane.”
“We are proud to pursue this ambition alongside Sanofi.”
Three manufacturing sites would transfer to Cheplapharm: Csanyikvölgy in Hungary, Jurong in Singapore and Ploërmel in France. Existing employment arrangements and collective agreements would be maintained. Both companies will work together to ensure continuity of supply and uphold quality standards.
The commercial transfer of the medicine portfolio is expected to begin in the first quarter of 2027, with site transfers following thereafter. Completion is anticipated by the third quarter of 2027.
For Cheplapharm, the deal supports continued strategic growth. For Sanofi, it reinforces a focus on innovation while ensuring established medicines progress through the next stage of their life cycle.
by John Pinching
Source: pharmatimes.com
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