Sanofi to invest Euro 300 mn in Belgium plant to expand biologics capabilities

Sanofi will invest Euro 300 million in the Geel (Belgium) site to drive the future of biologics by expanding manufacturing and commercial capabilities of the site. Through the investment, Sanofi plans to adapt and expand existing production capabilities to support Sanofi's pipeline of monoclonal antibodies. Updates to the existing facility will include the development of new laboratories focused on quality control and manufacturing sciences.
 
“This investment not only strengthens our goal of becoming a leader in biologics but represents our focus on patients' needs. We have a robust development pipeline of biological molecules, including monoclonal antibodies, and this investment furthers our work and expertise in key disease areas such as cardiovascular disease, rheumatoid arthritis, and atopic dermatitis,” said Philippe Luscan, executive vice president, global industrial affairs and president of Sanofi in France.
   
Sanofi and its specialty care global business unit, Sanofi Genzyme, have already invested Euro 600 million in the Geel site, which began industrial biotech activities in 2001. The site is currently responsible for the global production of a protein therapy for Pompe disease, a rare, genetic muscular disease that is often fatal. The protein therapy is produced using cell cultures in large bioreactors, followed by a purification process.
 
Through this latest investment, the facility will add more than 8000 square meter of manufacturing floor space, enabling the site to increase its overall production capacity and diversify to other drugs and therapeutic areas.
 
As part of the company's strategic roadmap, Sanofi aims to launch several biologics in the upcoming years, pairing technology, cutting-edge manufacturing and operations capabilities to deliver high-quality products that could improve patient outcomes.