Sanofi Partners with Cathay Innovation Fund to Advance Healthcare Technology Innovation and Upgrading

Shanghai, June 9, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Sanofi today announced a strategic investment in Cathay Innovation, a global venture capital fund, to support entrepreneurs worldwide who are committed to driving sustainable social development and transformation through innovative technologies.

Through this collaboration, Sanofi will strengthen its connections with the global innovative healthcare ecosystem, particularly in the Chinese market. China has become the world’s second-largest healthcare market and Sanofi Group’s second-largest market globally, holding strategic significance in technological development and innovation. Over the past decade, China’s innovation capabilities in the healthcare sector have steadily strengthened, evident not only in the iteration and research and development of biotechnology but also in the optimization and upgrading of digital health and the entire related ecosystem.

“As one of Sanofi’s global strategic priorities, China’s market demonstrates vibrant growth and rapid breakthroughs in digital innovation, fully highlighting its immense potential to become a pioneer in the global digital economy.”Olivier Charmeil, Executive Vice President and Head of the Global General Medicines Business Unit at Sanofi, stated,“Against this backdrop, our strategic partnership with Cathay Innovation Fund will accelerate the deployment of innovative achievements in medical technology, ultimately translating them into tangible benefits that strengthen China’s healthcare system and benefit people in China and around the world. This collaboration marks a significant milestone in our ambition to become a leader in innovation, and further demonstrates our commitment to contributing wholeheartedly to the robust development of China’s economy.”

Leveraging its investment footprint and accumulated expertise across multiple industries, Cahin Innovation Fund has created a unique platform that effectively connects startups with industry leaders, fostering communication and collaboration, complementing strengths, and promoting social innovation and transformative development. Cahin’s global platform, combined with Sanofi’s strong capabilities and industry resources in healthcare, will better empower entrepreneurs and startups to break through geographical and sectoral boundaries, optimize innovation, and achieve accelerated growth.

“We are passionately committed to improving the quality of life for patients. Sanofi is delighted to have entered into this collaboration with Cathay Innovation, leveraging its extensive experience in selecting and investing in companies to create favorable conditions for connecting Sanofi with China’s innovative ecosystem of healthcare startups, thereby helping us become a key driver of innovation in China.”Dr. Pius S. Hornstein, PhD, General Manager of Sanofi’s Global Generic Medicines Business Unit in China and President of Sanofi China, stated,“When our deep medical expertise converges with the innovative concepts embodied by Cathay Capital’s platform and its portfolio startups, we are confident that this synergy will inspire and deliver more innovative solutions, drive transformation in the healthcare industry, and bring tangible benefits to China and the world.”

“Cathay Capital closely monitors visionary entrepreneurs and enterprises at the forefront of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, thereby establishing its unique competitive advantage.”Cai Mingpo, Founder and Chairman of Cathay Capital, stated that,“We will work closely with Sanofi to identify and capitalize on the latest healthcare trends, and establish partnerships with highly promising health-tech startups. Cathay Innovation is committed to leveraging its cross-border platform advantages and resources to support Sanofi in advancing reforms and innovations within the global healthcare ecosystem, including in China.” 

In recent years, Sanofi has played an active role in medical innovation, committed to cultivating practical and effective healthcare solutions. Its Sanofi Innovation Center, “Ji Chuang Lianmeng” (Extreme Innovation Alliance), established two years ago, has now become a key accelerator and incubator for local startups to realize their innovative ideas. By accelerating the introduction of innovative drugs and vaccines and promoting digital innovation, Sanofi is dedicated to making a positive and profound impact on the quality of life for people in China. Through this collaboration, Sanofi and Cathay Capital will further amplify their respective strengths in the healthcare sector, unlock the potential of technology and digitalization, meet people’s increasingly diverse health needs, and jointly promote improvements in healthy living for humanity.