The pharmaceutical giant Sanofi is set to sell a 50% stake in its consumer health division, Opella, to Clayton, Dubilier & Rice (CD&R) for an estimated €15 billion. This move is part of Sanofi’s strategy to focus on its core products, such as treatments for rare diseases and cancer. Opella, which produces popular over-the-counter medicines like Doliprane and Allegra, has over half a billion global customers and operates in 100 countries with more than 11,000 employees.
Sanofi’s decision to divest this unit follows a trend in the pharmaceutical industry, where companies like Novartis, GSK, and Pfizer have sold less profitable divisions to concentrate on more successful ones. France’s Industry Minister has expressed caution over the sale, emphasizing the need for the headquarters and decision-making centers to remain in the country.
In other news, Sanofi’s drug Dupixent has received approval from the US Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). This marks the first biologic drug approved for COPD in the US, with potential to improve breathing and reduce exacerbations for patients. The COPD Foundation has welcomed this new therapeutic option, highlighting the impact it could have on patients’ daily lives.
Overall, Sanofi’s strategic moves in both divesting a stake in Opella and gaining approval for Dupixent demonstrate the company’s commitment to innovation and focusing on areas where it can make a significant impact in the healthcare industry.
Source
Photo credit www.euronews.com