Sanofi Launches Its First Global Institute in China, Focused on Early-Stage R&D in Oncology, Immunology, and Inflammation

JiangsuSuzhou, April 202114PR Newswire/ --YesterdaySanofi, a global leader in pharmaceuticals and healthcare, announced the official opening of its Sanofi Institute for Biomedical Research (SIBR) in Suzhou Industrial Park. As Sanofi’s fourth global research institute and its first in China, SIBR will enhance the company’s early-stage research capabilities in oncology, immunology, and inflammation. By accelerating basic research and drug development, the institute aims to address urgent unmet medical needs in these fields. Furthermore, SIBR will actively engage in China’s biopharmaceutical R&D ecosystem, fostering local innovation from scratch to build China’s innovation engine and expedite the translation of R&D achievements into medicines that tangibly improve patient health.

Inauguration Ceremony of Sanofi China Research Institute

H.E. Laurent Bili, French Ambassador to China, attended the inauguration ceremony and affirmed the positive role of Sanofi’s China Research Institute in fostering the local innovation ecosystem. He stated, “The launch of Sanofi’s China Research Institute will deepen collaboration among biopharmaceutical companies, Chinese academia, the scientific research community, and clinical institutions, thereby advancing the development of the innovation ecosystem and supporting Suzhou in establishing itself as a new hub for the biomedical industry cluster.”

Dr. He Enting, President of Sanofi Greater China (Pius S. Hornstein, PhD) stated: “Sanofi has a long-term commitment to China. We will not only accelerate the introduction of globally leading innovative medicines into China but also fully leverage our global R&D capabilities and local insights to actively participate in China’s innovation ecosystem, contributing to the 14th Five-Year Plan and the Long-Range Objectives Through the Year 2035. The Sanofi China Research Institute will help us realize this vision by serving as a powerful engine that consolidates our local innovative R&D strengths, ultimately benefiting a broad patient population.”

Address by Dr. Heath Hunt, President of Sanofi Greater China

Innovation Hub, Integrating into China's R&D Ecosystem

In recent years, a series of favorable policies—such as the dual-circulation strategy, the promotion of simultaneous domestic and international R&D and market launch of innovative drugs, and the “Major New Drug Creation” special project—have created an excellent development environment for multinational pharmaceutical companies to innovate in China. As the first company established in the Suzhou Industrial Park dedicated to basic and original research, the Sanofi China Research Institute is located at the Suzhou Institute of Systems Medicine in the Dushu Lake Science and Education Innovation District. Covering a total area of 4,000 square meters, the institute plans to invest nearly €20 million annually over the next five years and expects to recruit more than 50 scientific researchers by the end of next year.

Dr. Denis Bonnet, Head of R&D at Sanofi China, stated, “Focusing on China is key to driving Sanofi’s future growth. Since 2019, Sanofi’s Global Synchronous Development Program has systematically assessed the impact on the Chinese market, resulting in more than 90% of our projects currently being conducted in China, thereby accelerating Chinese patients’ access to innovative medicines.”

Talent Hub: Rooted Locally, Serving Globally

2021 marked the inaugural year of China’s 14th Five-Year Plan, a period characterized by the vibrant and rapid ascent of the nation’s pharmaceutical R&D capabilities. Sanofi China Research Institute places significant emphasis on forging strong connections with the local biopharmaceutical R&D ecosystem. By actively engaging in deep strategic collaborations with key universities, leading disciplines at the Chinese Academy of Sciences, and outstanding pharmaceutical enterprises, the Institute strengthens its role as an innovation hub for fundamental and original research. These joint efforts accelerate drug innovation, foster the development of more innovative products originating in China, and provide valuable insights for global R&D initiatives.

Professor Xiao Changchun, Head of Sanofi China Research, stated, “Transforming scientific innovation into healthcare solutions is not an overnight endeavor. Upholding its legacy of excellence in R&D, Sanofi China Research Institute will establish a team dedicated to scientific research, translational medicine, and data science, leveraging world-class R&D capabilities to overcome challenges and achieve medical breakthroughs in key therapeutic areas. We will employ advanced talent management practices to attract and cultivate top-tier R&D professionals, empowering Sanofi China Research Institute to unleash new vitality in this fertile ground for biomedical research and contribute to the advancement of innovation in China.”