The French government has initiated a demand for a comprehensive assessment of the public aid received by pharmaceutical giant Sanofi over the past decade. This announcement was made by Minister of the Economy Antoine Armand during a session of questions to the government on October 15, 2024. The demand comes in light of Sanofi's plans to sell its consumer healthcare entity, Opella, which markets the widely used pain reliever Doliprane, to the American investment firm CD&R. Armand emphasized the need for transparency regarding the public support mechanisms that have benefited Sanofi, stating that while the government supports employment and industry, it must be done under appropriate conditions.
The assessment aims to evaluate whether the public aid has effectively contributed to innovation in the medical and health sectors, which is crucial for France's health sovereignty. The Minister highlighted that specific commitments regarding employment retention, industrial presence, and the future of research and development will be sought from stakeholders involved in the transaction. He also mentioned that the government's investment control procedures would be activated if the sale proceeds. This potential sale has raised significant concerns among the public and political figures regarding health sovereignty and job security in the region.
