Cheplapharm has entered a strategic partnership to take over a portfolio of 20 mature medicines, along with three manufacturing facilities globally, from Sanofi.
Under the proposed arrangement, Sanofi will receive a 26.4% equity stake in Cheplapharm. The partnership expands on a working relationship between the two companies, which began in 2014.
The selected medicines, including Lovenox/Clexane (enoxaparin), are intended to benefit from Cheplapharm's operational approach.
The companies stated that different operating models may better address the manufacturing, regulatory and commercial characteristics of established treatments compared to new medicines.
Cheplapharm will acquire production sites located in Csanyikvölgy in Hungary, Jurong in Singapore, and Ploërmel in France. The facilities employ approximately 400, 100, and 65 employees, respectively.
Existing employment terms and collective agreements are expected to remain in place, and both entities plan to jointly manage the transition, aiming to maintain supply continuity and manufacturing standards.
Sanofi General Medicines executive vice-president Thomas Grenier said: “Our multi-year journey to simplify our mature portfolio has enabled us to focus on innovation while ensuring mature medicines continue to reach patients who need them.
“Cheplapharm has been a trusted partner for more than a decade, and this transaction significantly builds on its prior acquisitions from Sanofi's mature medicines portfolio.
“This new partnership, together with our equity stake in Cheplapharm, underscores our commitment to ensuring patients continue to benefit from today’s essential medicines while also pursuing tomorrow’s breakthroughs.”
The planned commercial transition is targeted to begin in the first quarter of 2027, with full completion anticipated by the third quarter of 2027, subject to regulatory approvals and employee consultations.
The transaction is not expected to affect Sanofi’s financial guidance for 2026. Further financial details have not yet been disclosed.
In June, Sanofi received approval from Japan’s Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare for its subcutaneous formulation of Sarclisa (isatuximab) in combination with standard therapies to treat multiple myeloma.
