Sanofi establishes production line for malaria therapy

Sanofi has announced the launch of a large-scale production line of semisynthetic artemisinin at its Garessio site in Italy.

In association with the not-for-profit organisation PATH, the company has invested in these new manufacturing capabilities in order to meet rising global demand for the compound, which is frequently used in the treatment of malaria.

The existing botanical supply of artemisinin, derived from the sweet wormwood plant, has been proven to be inconsistent, meaning greater availability of synthetic options will strengthen the supply chain, bring down prices and make treatments more readily available to patients.

Sanofi plans to produce 35 tonnes of artemisinin in 2013 and 50 to 60 tonnes per year on average by 2014.

Philippe Luscan, senior vice-president for industrial affairs at Sanofi, said: "This production milestone exemplifies Sanofi's industrial chemists' exceptional expertise and innovative mindset and capabilities."

Earlier this month, the company announced that European regulators have accepted a new quadrivalent flu vaccine from Sanofi Pasteur for review.