Sanofi, a global and diversified health care leader, has commenced the first phase of local generic production through Globalpharma at a ceremony Tuesday.

The announcement follows the recent acquisition of a significant stake in Globalpharma by Sanofi from Dubai Investments (DI), a major investment company listed on the Dubai Financial Market (DFM).

The ceremony was attended by a high rank delegation from the Ministry of Health and Dubai Health Authority. Also attending was Michel Miraillet, French ambassador to the UAE, and senior management from both Sanofi and Dubai Investments.

Amin Hussain Al-Amiri, assistant undersecretary for public health policy and licensing sector at the UAE Ministry of Health, said: “The integration of Globalpharma as a Sanofi company is a landmark milestone in the regional pharmaceutical landscape and will serve the needs of the industry in an effective way.”

Following the completion of the acquisition of a significant stake announced in June, Globalpharma is being integrated as a Sanofi company to become the platform to manufacture and promote the generics portfolio of Sanofi in the Middle East markets. The wide portfolio will include anti-infective, cardiovascular and gastrointestinal products.

Antoine Ortoli, SVP, intercontinental global operations at Sanofi, said: “Acquiring a significant stake in Globalpharma is in line with our global objective to expand our footprint through innovative business models.”