SZ's role reinforced in Sanofi's China supply chain with new Beijing project

Sanofi's upcoming active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) manufacturing base in Beijing will synergize with its established manufacturing presence in Shenzhen, reinforcing the multinational pharmaceutical giant's integrated supply network in China and highlighting Shenzhen's strategic position within it.

A computer-generated image of Sanofi's insulin API production base in Beijing. File photo

The Beijing API facility, with a total investment of 1 billion euros (US$1.16 billion), represents Sanofi's largest single investment in China to date and is the biggest investment project in Beijing's pharmaceutical manufacturing sector. While the new site is located in Beijing, it is designed to create a seamless production chain with Sanofi's existing bases in Beijing, Shenzhen, and Hangzhou.

"This investment is a critical component of Sanofi's strategy for China," said Shi Wang, president of Sanofi's China division. “The new API base will collaborate with our existing production sites in Beijing, Shenzhen, and Hangzhou to form a high-quality production network that stretches from API manufacturing to drug formulation, enabling the company to better serve China's healthcare needs, and to advance the prevention and management of diabetes with our local partners.”

Sanofi's long-term commitment to China is evidenced by its three decades of manufacturing in the country. The company's Shenzhen site, together with its facilities in Beijing and Hangzhou, forms a robust production backbone that supports Sanofi's mission to address the growing healthcare needs in China.

The new Beijing API project, slated for full operation by 2032, will adhere to international top-tier standards, incorporating digitalization, automation, and AI to optimize production. This initiative is a direct response to the vast demand for insulin in China, where over 140 million adults live with diabetes.