Sanofi Boosts Antibody Production In France With Over €40M Investment In Lyon Site

Sanofi is investing €40 million in its Lyon Gerland bioproduction site to strengthen its position as a key hub for immunology. This move ensures continued production of Thymoglobulin, a vital transplant medication, while preparing for future bioproduction needs, including the localization of TZIELD, a type 1 diabetes treatment. 

The investment includes €25 million dedicated to advancing a second-generation polyclonal antibody crucial for transplant patients. Additionally, over €15 million will be used to produce monoclonal antibodies for type 1 diabetes, supporting both preclinical and clinical developments. This initiative solidifies Sanofi's commitment to enhancing France’s biopharma capabilities.

Charles Wolf, General Manager France, Sanofi, said in a statement, “With this significant investment, we are strengthening our footprint and leadership in bioproduction from France to serve our ambitions in immunology. Our Lyon Gerland site already holds a central place in the Lyon ecosystem of life sciences and this investment serves as a new step to allow us to accelerate its increased role in serving patients in France and around the world.”

Sanofi’s anti-lymphocyte serum, an essential immunosuppressant for transplant patients, is produced solely at its Lyon Gerland site, supplying 1.6 million vials annually to treat 70,000 patients across 74 countries. To meet the rising global demand for transplant treatments, Sanofi is implementing a new manufacturing process to boost production capacity, ensure reliable supply, and reduce the product’s environmental impact. 

Modernization work began in mid-2024, with the first industrial batches expected in 2025 and commercial batches available by 2027. Meanwhile, production continues using the current method to ensure uninterrupted availability for patients. However, Sanofi’s Lyon Gerland site is set to produce a new immunomodulatory drug for preclinical type 1 diabetes patients, a treatment previously produced outside the European Union. This therapy addresses a significant unmet need for patients. The development of the site’s bioproduction area will begin in early 2025, with the first batches expected by the end of the year, and marketing availability in 2027.

Sanofi has already committed over €2.5 billion to major projects since the COVID-19 pandemic and recently announced an additional €1 billion investment in bioproduction. With 60% of its global production in the EU, Sanofi remains the leading private R&D investor in France, spending €2.5 billion annually. These efforts support its goal to lead the field of immunology, offering innovative treatments for conditions like asthma, multiple sclerosis, and type 1 diabetes.