the government renounces the reduction in prices to encourage relocation

Preferential treatment for paracetamol. While the social security financing bill (PLFSS) provides for a billion euros in savings on drug spending next year, the government is ready to make an exception for this molecule of which the French are keen. large consumers. Sanofi, which markets Doliprane for a few more months, as well as UPSA, whose flagship brands are Dafalgan and Efferalgan, have obtained from the government a two-year moratorium on the price of paracetamol, which should have fallen by 10%. at the end of the year. “A box of paracetamol costs 76 cents in France. This price is lower than that charged abroad. We would like the fact of producing in France to be taken into account when setting the price of the drug.», Recently explained Isabelle Van Rycke, CEO of UPSA.

Sanofi, whose plan to sell its subsidiary marketing Doliprane sparked an outcry in October, was informed this summer. According to Les EchosUPSA has undertaken, in return for this moratorium, to relocate to France the production of two drugs appearing in the list of strategic drugs drawn up in 2023.This is indeed a positive signal which allows us to invest in the production of new molecules in France.», Explains the laboratory owned by a Japanese. UPSA is reportedly considering producing Pregabalin in Agen, a molecule treating neuropathic pain and epileptic seizures, as well as lamotrigine, also an antiepileptic drug.

UPSA is also investing to increase the production of paracetamol in France. It should soon be able to manufacture 450 million boxes, almost all of France's needs. To date, however, 55% of its boxes are exported abroad, while Doliprane is a 95% French brand.

Little Thumb of paracetamol

This moratoriumfits into a context specific to these products, the value chain of which is being reconstituted in France», Explains the office of the Ministry of Industry. The active ingredient of paracetamol had no longer been manufactured there since 2008. With the help of the State as part of France 2030, Sanofi and UPSA both supported the construction, by the active ingredient specialist Seqens, of a brand new factory in France, which will supply them with active ingredient from 2026.

Doliprane is, in volume, the most consumed medicine in France according to Health Insurance. 330 million boxes were delivered to pharmacies last year. UPSA's Dafalgan, number two in the ranking, comes far behind, with 71 million boxes prescribed.