Paul Hudson, CEO of Sanofi, was recently interviewed regarding the company's development, opportunities and localization strategy in the Chinese market as well as new features and trends in the global pharmaceutical market.

Hudson said that the company, fully recognizing China's crucial role in the global economy, is committed to deep engagement in the Chinese market and expanding collaborations.

He said that China's sustained economic recovery will instill confidence in global economic resurgence and stability. Sanofi remains optimistic about China's development prospects and the significant role of the Chinese market in Sanofi's future growth.

According to Hudson, China's increasing efforts in opening-up, business environment and market innovation have reinforced the company's confidence in the Chinese market.

Since entering the Chinese market in 1982, Sanofi has established 12 offices, three production bases, four research and development bases, and one digital innovation center in China, covering pharmaceuticals, vaccines for human use, and consumer healthcare.

After assuming his role in Sanofi in 2019, Paul Hudson has driven a series of reforms, accelerating Sanofi's development in the Chinese market and positioning it at the forefront of multinational pharmaceutical companies.

In late 2022, the company signed a memorandum of understanding with the Beijing Economic and Technological Development Area, announcing an investment of nearly 500 million yuan ($68.39 million) to initiate the insulin expansion project at the Beijing production base, to continuously expand its production capacity.

Paul Hudson, the CEO of Sanofi. [Photo/beijingetown.com.cn]

In the interview, Hudson also pointed out that China's booming health industry resonates with Chinese modernization, offering a broader development landscape for the pharmaceutical sector.

He said that Chinese modernization will continue to drive innovation, accelerate the R&D of innovative drugs, facilitate domestic and international research collaboration, and provide a more favorable policy environment and market access, which will present development opportunities for Sanofi in product innovation and digital transformation.

 [Photo/beijingetown.com.cn]

Hudson talked about the uniqueness of the Chinese market, including its massive market size, rapid innovation, and extensive supply chain network.

China is Sanofi's second-largest global market. In its 2022 annual financial report, total sales in China for the year were 3.123 billion euros, showing a 6.2 percent year-on-year increase.

Sanofi is deepening its footprint in China with localized production and R&D, integrating into China's innovative ecosystem. Innovative drugs and vaccines are benefiting more patients in China and globally. For instance, the Beijing production base is Sanofi's largest insulin production base in the Asia-Pacific region, supplying not only the Chinese market but also the markets such as Japan, South Korea, and Australia.

When it comes to global pharmaceutical market trends, Hudson mentioned that the post-pandemic era will accelerate digital transformation and the widespread adoption of telemedicine.

He said that the global pharmaceutical market will become more interconnected, with diverse and specialized demands, leading to sustained market growth. Additionally, the demand for vaccines will continue to rise, particularly in emerging markets and developing countries. Sanofi remains committed to providing innovative, high-quality, and safe vaccines, and actively participating in global vaccine cooperation and innovation to contribute to a healthier future.

Sanofi's firm determination and deepened localization strategy will continue to drive the company's development in the Chinese market, providing high-quality medical and healthcare products and services to more patients.