Sanofi-Aventis to expand insulin capacity in Russia

French pharmaceutical major Sanofi-Aventis (Euronext: SAN) is considering a significant increase in the production capacity of its Russian insulin factory by 2012, according to local reports.

According to the company, next year total production capacity of the plant, which is located in the Orel region (Central Russia) is expected to reach at least 15 million units dosage forms of insulin. There is a possibility that, during the next several years, the volume of production at the plant may be further increased up to 30 million units. By 2012 the company also plans to start packing of oncology drugs at the same facility.

Currently the plant specializes in the production of human insulin and insulin analogues, including Lantus, Apidra, Insuman base as well as Insuman Rapid. The plant also produces syringe insulin delivery systems, which have been certified for serial production in Russia since December 2010. Substances are imported from Germany.