Sanofi to expand biologics site in Belgium in €300m investment

Sanofi will spend €300m on expanding its biologics site in Geel, Belgium, furthering the French drugmaker's commitment to driving biologics forward by adding to its manufacturing and commercial capabilities.

Through the investment, Sanofi plans to adapt and expand existing production capabilities to support the firm's pipeline of monoclonal antibodies.

Upgrades to the site 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 also represents our focus on patients' needs,' said Philippe Luscan, Executive Vice President, Global Industrial Affairs and President of Sanofi in France.

'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.'

Sanofi and its biologics arm Sanofi Genzyme, have already invested €600m in the Geel site, which began industrial biotech activities in 2001.

The site currently handles 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, more than 8,000m² of manufacturing floor space will be added, enabling the site to increase its overall production capacity and diversify to other drugs and therapeutic areas.

In support of this expansion, Sanofi intends to recruit 'highly-skilled biotechnology professionals' to fulfil a range of job functions.

Sanofi said it aims to launch several biologics in the coming years.