Sanofi launches $6.25bn vaccine battle plan

Wasn't it just a few years ago that no one was in the vaccine business because you couldn't make any money at it?

Sanofi-Aventis is to invest $6.25bn into vaccine production between now and 2015 as the company attempts to keep pace with rising demand.

This sizeable investment is in addition to the $940m the company has pumped into its French vaccine facilities between 2005 and 2008.

The company expects global vaccine sales to double to $34bn by 2016 and is investing heavily in construction or expansion at 15 sites to meet demand.

Speaking at the inauguration of its new $156m vaccine plant at Val de Reuil, France, Wayne Pisano, president and CEO of Sanofi-Aventis' vaccine subsidiary Sanofi Pasteur, said: "Sanofi Pasteur's commitment to global health is exemplified by significant investments in vaccine production infrastructures. These efforts are aimed at meeting a world demand for vaccines expected to double by 2016.

"The new facility will provide high-end production work environment for dedicated people who produce vaccines for the world."

Construction of the 7,800 sq. m. facility began in 2006 and is due to be operational by the end of 2008. Once online the plant will be capable of filling 200m vials and syringes a year, doubling the current capacity of Sanofi's operations at Val de Reuil.

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