Toronto, April 1: An official announcement was made yesterday for Sanofi for the production of vaccines by a French pharmaceutical company in North York, Toronto, for $925 million. There are three levels of government in Canada involved. In that case, the federal government of Canada will invest $415 million, the government of Ontario will invest $55 million and Sanofi itself will invest more than $455 million. Sanofi also said it would spend $79 million in a year on research and development purposes in Canada. This will create 1,225 highly skilled jobs, as well as meet the growing demand for fluzone, well-known as the high-grade influenza vaccine in Canada, the United States and Europe.

On that occasion, Paul Hudson, Chief Executive Officer of Sanofi said, “As a leading vaccines Company, we continuously look ahead to address the fast-growing demand for those influenza vaccines that have demonstrated clinical superiority against standard-dose vaccines. Fluzone High-Dose provides a long-term competitive advantage and this new investment will ensure more seniors around the world are better protected against influenza and its complications. In addition, it will be a key resource to assist against future pandemics.”

On the other hand, Canadian Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry Francois-Philippe Champagne said, “Today’s announcement demonstrates Canada’s ability to attract foreign investment and to develop facilities with made-in-Canada solutions. This once-in-a-generation investment shows our government’s commitment to rebuilding Canada’s domestic biomanufacturing sector, focusing on both short-term strategic solutions and a long-term vision. By investing in this project, our government is helping to keep expertise in Canada, creating and maintaining highly skilled jobs, and securing the health and safety of Canadians. By fostering an environment where companies can invest and grow, leading life sciences firms like Sanofi are increasingly looking to this country to establish their manufacturing facilities.”

As well as Ontario Premier Doug Ford said, “We are now never going to have to rely on any country, any leader, we will be self-sufficient.” And Toronto Mayor John Tory said, “Today is an actual, tangible demonstration that we’ve all learned lessons from the pandemic and are doing something about it.”

Sanofi expects this new facility to be operational in 2026, following design, construction, testing and qualification of the facility and equipment.