Should we be concerned about the sale of Doliprane by Sanofi to an American investment fund?

Doliprane should soon become American. Sanofi announced on Friday October 11 that it was negotiating with the American investment fund CD&R to cede control of its over-the-counter product subsidiary Opella. The latter oversees around a hundred brands including the popular Doliprane, but also Mucosolvan, Maalox and Novanuit… A change of flag for the best-selling drug in France which has triggered a wave of concerns.

“We will not let Sanofi sell off the production of Doliprane to an American group”reacted Charles Rodwell, deputy of the Ensemble pour la République group, on the social network macronia. The new tenant of Bercy will also find that of Laurent Wauquiez on his desk. The president of the Republican Right group asks him “that the State acts to protect our industrial flagships and ensure the health sovereignty of France”.

A little earlier, it was the deputies of the New Popular Front who stepped up to the plate. “It is unthinkable to abandon our sovereignty over the production of this type of medicine”launched the rebellious deputy Eric Coquerel, president of the finance committee, on to guarantee the “maintaining the headquarters and decision-making centers on the national territory”.

Sanofi’s announcement seems to contradict Emmanuel Macron’s stated desire to “relocate” the production of certain medicines in France. “There is a lack of coherence and a lack of political will,” criticizes economist Nathalie Coutinet, specialist in the health sector.

“On the one hand, we make major announcements of sovereignty and on the other, we let laboratories sell to foreign investment funds.”

Nathalie Coutinet, economist

at franceinfo

Currently, Doliprane is manufactured in the factories of Lisieux (Calvados) and Compiègne (Oise). But Sanofi’s announcement could potentially change the situation. “There is an even greater risk of outsourcing and risks of associated shortages if the choice of new shareholders is to favor another geographical area”warns Nathalie Coutinet.

A risk all the greater as attempts to relocate the manufacturing of the active ingredient in Doliprane are only in their infancy. Currently, paracetamol is purchased abroad, particularly in Asia. But a manufacturing plant for this active ingredient is being built in Roussillon (Isère). “What will become of this company which was largely financed by the State, with public subsidies?” asks Nathalie Coutinet. “The new shareholders could decide to continue with active ingredients that come from India or China.”

On the pharmacist side, we are also observing this sale with great attention. “We will have to be very vigilant. If I have to denounce things, I will”assures Pierre-Olivier Variot, president of the Union of Community Pharmacists’ Unions (USPO). If the pharmacist refuses everything “trial of intent” against Sanofi, he emphasizes the importance of finding “a French sovereignty” in the production of medicines.

“A few years ago, there was the flu and a big Covid-19 epidemic at the same time. When China closed its borders, we had nothing left. I don’t want that anymore.”

Pierre-Olivier Variot, president of the Union of Community Pharmacists’ Unions

at franceinfo

Sanofi’s decision could also snowball. “All ‘big pharma’ are withdrawing from their generic and consumer activities”explains Nathalie Coutinet, who cites in particular Novartis or the aborted attempt by the Servier group to sell its subsidiary Biogaran. “There is a fairly widespread refocusing of pharmaceutical companies on their innovation activities”adds the economist. A strategy displayed by Sanofi for several years.

The reason? “The profitability of Doliprane is a bit ‘cushy’, whereas if you release a new drug, the profitability is exponential”notes Nathalie Coutinet. A strong argument for businesses “very financialized” and whose main shareholders are pension funds, explains the economist. “Behind these choices, there is pressure for profitability.”