Sanofi Pasteur, the vaccines division of sanofi-aventis Group, announced today the inauguration of a high-tech vaccine production facility in France to respond to soaring demand worldwide.
This new 100 million euros facility located in Val de Reuil (North West of France) incorporates the latest technology to produce vaccines that meet the highest standards of quality. It is part of 600 million euros investments undertaken by sanofi pasteur in France between 2005 and 2008.
"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," said Wayne Pisano, President and Chief Executive Officer of sanofi pasteur, who inaugurated the new production unit. "The new facility will provide high-end production work environment for dedicated people who produce vaccines for the world."
The new highly automated facility can produce vaccines against 20 diseases. It is designed to be ready to switch to pandemic influenza vaccine in the event of a human pandemic influenza, and once a pandemic influenza strain is identified by the World Health Organization (WHO).
"Sanofi Pasteur Val de Reuil site is a hub for global health with over two million doses of vaccines shipped worldwide each day. The new facility will further enable sanofi pasteur to fulfil its commitment of providing highest quality vaccines to protect people from infectious diseases wherever they live," added Pisano.
Construction of the 7,800 square-meter building began in 2006. It is projected to be operational by the end of 2008, upon certification by health authorities. The facility is scaled to fill 200 million syringes and vials per year, increasing by two fold the current capacity at this site.