Sanofi-Aventis expands consumer health focus in China

Sanofi's manufacturing site in Hanghzou, China

Sanofi-Aventis has partnered with China’s Minsheng Pharmaceuticals to establish a new consumer healthcare joint venture.

Sanofi will take a majority stake in the new venture, which will primarily focus on the VMS (vitamins, minerals and supplements) market, the largest healthcare segment in China.

The companies have already worked together for more than 10 years and will look to build on Minsheng’s established presence in the market through its multivitamin brand 21 Super-Vita.

“We are pleased to take a significant step toward establishing the new consumer healthcare joint venture with Minsheng, our long-standing partner,” said Hanspeter Spek, president of global operations at Sanofi-Aventis.

“Combined with our leadership position in vaccines, we will continue to contribute to preventative healthcare in China. Entering the world’s second largest consumer healthcare market is also a strategic move for Sanofi-Aventis to consolidate its position in consumer healthcare.”

This continues an active time for Sanofi and follows their recent acquisition of US-based Chattem, a leading manufacturer and marketer of branded healthcare products, and a partnership with US biotech KaloBios, for the development of an antibody fragment to both treat and prevent Pa infections.

This venture will be set to enhance Sanofi’s global healthcare presence, giving credence to their announcement last Feburary to become “a diversified, global healthcare leader”.

Sanofi was one of the first foreign pharma companies to open its offices in China and continues to be one of the fastest growing healthcare companies in the region, employing 3,500 people across 200 cities in the country.

In 2008, the consumer healthcare market in China was estimated to be around 7 billion euros and is forecast for continued double-digit growth, making it the strongest emerging pharma market.