Sanofi to expand its Generic medicines portfolio in the Middle East through the acquisition of a significant stake in Globalpharma

Globalpharma to have access to Sanofi’s expertise and technology

Dubai-UAE: October 28, 2014 – Sanofi [Euronext: SAN; NYSE: SNY] – a global and diversified healthcare leader, announced the commencement of the first phase of local generic production through Globalpharma at a special VIP ceremony today. The announcement follows the recent acquisition of a significant stake in Globalpharma by Sanofi from Dubai Investments PJSC [DI], the leading investment company listed on the Dubai Financial Market [DFM].

The ceremony was attended by a high rank delegation from Ministry of Health and Dubai Health Authority. Also attending was His Excellency Mr. Michel Miraillet, French Ambassador to the UAE and senior management from both Sanofi and Dubai Investments.

In his comments, H.E. Dr Amin Hussain Al Amiri, Assistant Undersecretary for Public Health Policy & Licensing Sector at UAE Ministry of Health, said: “The healthcare landscape in the UAE is fast evolving and we are working closely with pharmaceutical companies to make UAE the regional hub, which will positively impact the supply, distribution and pricing of drugs. The integration of Globalpharma as a Sanofi Company is a landmark milestone in the regional pharmaceutical landscape and will serve the needs of the industry in an effective way.”

Following the completion of the acquisition of a significant stake, announced in June, Globalpharma is being integrated as a Sanofi Company to become the platform to manufacture and promote the generics portfolio of Sanofi in Middle East markets. The wide portfolio will include anti-infective, cardiovascular and gastrointestinal products. 

Commenting on the occasion during the ceremony; 

Antoine Ortoli, Senior Vice President – Intercontinental Global Operations at Sanofi said, “Acquiring a significant stake in Globalpharma is in line with our global objective to expand our footprint through innovative business models. Our combined strong geographical presence and portfolios in specific therapeutic areas will enable us to broaden our reach and strengthen our presence in the generics market, providing more patients with high quality, affordable medications.”
Jerome Silvestre, Senior Vice President, Sanofi Global Generics Division, said, “Through the integration of Globalpharma we are living our mission to deliver high-quality generics to patients around the world, and pursuing our growth strategy by expanding Sanofi Generics Division presence in growing and promising markets such as Middle East.” 

Sanofi will bring to Globalpharma its knowledge in industrial development and manufacturing and together with the local Globalpharma team will drive all technology subjects and implementation focused on patients’ needs.

Khalid Bin Kalban, Managing Director and CEO of Dubai Investments, said, “We are excited about this integration of Globalpharma as a Sanofi company which will go a long way in building the company’s capabilities in the region. This divestment of shares with Sanofi is a major step forward in strengthening the company’s market leadership through a differentiated and specialty-driven generics portfolio, bringing together the strong reputation of Globalpharma and the global expertise of Sanofi, and tailored to meet the needs and demands of the regional healthcare industry.”

With a strong local footprint, Globalpharma will benefit from the wide-ranging Sanofi Generics portfolio and pipeline as well as from the strong brand equity of Sanofi in the Middle East markets.

Globalpharma currently manufactures and markets pharmaceutical products in more than 14 countries across the Middle East markets and other neighboring countries and produces a diverse range of medicines including antibiotics, analgesics/ NSAIDs, anti-ulcerants, respiratory products, nutritional supplements, as well as medication for chronic conditions such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes.