Sanofi currently ‘does not anticipate’ medicine shortages

17-Mar-2020 - Last updated on 17-Mar-2020 at 16:07 GMT

(Image: Getty/Metamorworks)

With the coronavirus impacting the supply of API, Sanofi issues a notice that its global network is secure.

Earlier this month, the Indian government announced that it would limit the export of certain active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) and formulations. According to one industry insider, this led to a degree of concern among European manufacturers over supply.

However, yesterday Sanofi moved to reassure stakeholders that it is not anticipating difficulties within its own supply chain and will still be able to produce its medicine.

In a statement, the company said, “Our global network of manufacturing plants is operational and the diversity of our global sourcing helps ensure business continuity across all our product lines.

“At this time, Sanofi does not anticipate shortages for patients resulting from the COVID-19 situation.”

At the end of last month, the company announced that it would spinout its European API production sites to form an independent contract manufacturer organization. By size, it would be the second largest behind Lonza, and stated that it would provide an alternative to the reliance on API from the Asian region.

With the coronavirus likely to have an impact on drug supply, after the US revealed the product shortage due to the virus, this argument now carries more weight.