Investment, Research a Reflection of Strong Commitment: Sanofi

Q: How is Sanofi contributing to the global fight against COVID-19?

A: Sanofi aims to transform the lives of patients. We employ a preventive health approach with vaccines, treatments to control chronic diseases, highly specialized solutions for specific conditions and promotion of self-care through freely accessible medicines.

We are one of the leading companies in the search for a vaccine against COVID-19. Sanofi is investing in two projects simultaneously to fight this unprecedented pandemic. As part of this effort, we have created alliances with other entities, including our competitors, with the goal of achieving an effective and accessible vaccine in the shortest possible time.

Q: What led Sanofi to open a new vaccine plant in Mexico?

A: We have been committed to Mexico for more than 90 years. Our investment in the country is proof of that commitment. The new vaccine production plant is Sanofi's third in Latin America. We are investing €129 million (US$152 million) in this project and we are also collaborating with the public sector so that Mexico can have its own manufacturing plant for seasonal influenza vaccines in the near future.

Q: What are Sanofi’s expectations regarding Mexico’s pharmaceutical industry after USMCA?

A: USMCA is a commercial cooperation mechanism that strengthens the legal certainty of investments in innovative medicine in the country, so patients in Mexico can have access to next-generation medicine at the same level as other countries, such as the US and Canada.

Q: What are the highlights of Sanofi’s recent R&D projects?

A: Today, Sanofi is an innovation leader in several therapeutic areas. We are the world's leading producer of the influenza vaccine, hexavalent vaccines for children and a total of 14 vaccines for all ages, which allow us to ensure that no one suffers or dies from an affliction that can be prevented.

Regarding general medicine, we are leaders in solutions for patients with Type I and II diabetes, in addition to having a broad portfolio of medicines that have been on the market for decades, changing the lives of patients with conditions ranging from disease to infertility.

In areas of high specialty, we were the first company to bring a monoclonal antibody to Mexico to treat patients with severe atopic dermatitis, a therapy that has the potential to target other diseases caused by Type II inflammation. We also have a new medicine for multiple myeloma.

Regarding self-care, with our CHC unit we are conducting research to expand the use of probiotics. Our brands, such as Enterogermina, Pharmaton, Sinuberase and Aderogyl, are recognized by the public as OTC medicines for common problems, such as stomachaches, vitamin deficiencies and the flu.

In global clinical developments, we are considering a molecule to attack various types of cancer tumors; new solutions for rare diseases, such as Gaucher and Fabry; two potential molecules against hemophilia and, of course, we are part of the battle against COVID-19.

Q: How is Sanofi innovating to remain a leader in the market?

A: Innovation is part of our DNA. We are discovering new approaches to the development of new medicines and vaccines for health needs that are still pending an alternative. We are investing in the development of therapies that with a single drug can be useful for several diseases at the same time. We also continue to research combination treatments to make them more effective.

Our portfolio also includes precision medicines. We are developing research based on gene therapy and also have other projects that take advantage of artificial intelligence and digital technologies to improve disease management, especially regarding chronic diseases.

Q: What is Mexico’s role in Sanofi’s overall strategy?

A: Mexico is one of the 10 most important countries for Sanofi worldwide. We have the opportunity to collaborate with the health sector in all areas: prevention, treatment and self-care, so we have a long way to go.

In addition to investing in the construction of the new vaccine plant, we will continue working to introduce influenza vaccines, pediatric combos to protect children and medications that are in high demanded from Mexican patients. Diabetes is the main public health problem in Mexico and our portfolio includes a variety of alternatives adaptable to each type of patient. In addition, our monoclonal antibody will revolutionize the clinical approach to atopic dermatitis and that will undoubtedly transform the lives of patients.

Our portfolio also includes options for patients with rare diseases, and for various types of cancer and other common but significant conditions that afflict the population of this country. Mexico is one of our priorities and we are confident that we will achieve our goal of being a public health ally, contributing to the well-being of the people who live here.

Sanofi is a pharmaceutical group founded in 2004 after the merger of Sanofi-Sythelabó and Aventis. It is the world’s third-largest pharmaceutical group and a leader in research in Mexico with a new vaccine production plant