Medizin: Sanofi baut neue Insulinfabrik in Frankfurt für Milliarden

Pharmaceutical company Sanofi is constructing a new insulin manufacturing facility in Frankfurt, Germany, at an estimated cost of two billion euros. This investment aims to replace an existing insulin plant, ensuring a stable supply of insulin for diabetic patients across Europe while safeguarding thousands of jobs.

The 36,000 square meter facility, roughly the size of five football fields, will adhere to the highest standards and incorporate artificial intelligence. After its commissioning in 2032, it will be among Europe's largest insulin production sites and a crucial component of Sanofi's global insulin supply network.

Belen Garijo, Sanofi’s CEO, emphasized the significance of the new facility during the groundbreaking ceremony in Frankfurt's Höchst industrial park. The pandemic highlighted the vulnerability of medical care, but this new plant represents an investment in the next generation of insulin production in Europe. This move strengthens European sovereignty in insulin production.

Prior to the pandemic, Sanofi had announced plans to build the insulin plant in 2024. In September, the EU Commission granted approval for state aid of 400 million euros, which will be provided by the German federal government, the state of Hesse, and the city of Frankfurt. The new facility will initially produce at least 1.1 tonnes of insulin annually.

Sanofi will also stockpile one tonne of pharmaceutical insulin active ingredients and prioritize European markets in the event of an insulin supply shortage. Hesse’s Minister-President Boris Rhein (CDU) noted that Sanofi's new insulin factory contributes to the security of supply in Europe, strengthening European sovereignty and reducing dependencies on third countries.

Diabetes mellitus is a public health issue, with over 500 million people worldwide affected, and this number could rise to 800 million by 2050. Without state aid, Sanofi would close its German location as it is the only production site for human insulin in the European Economic Area and one of only two insulin production sites in the region, operated by the pharmaceutical company Novo Nordisk in Denmark.

Insulin production secures thousands of jobs in Frankfurt, where more than 4,000 out of 6,500 Sanofi employees are directly involved in the process. The plant serves around 15 million patients in approximately 80 countries. Sanofi's investment in Frankfurt's insulin production is deemed extremely important as it symbolizes the city's commitment to maintaining its pharmaceutical and industrial status.

Oberbürgermeister Mike Josef (SPD) assured that Frankfurt will continue to support this project in any way possible.