Sanofi-aventis announced an increase of capital investment in the amount of US$ 90 million (600 million Renminbi) to extend its current manufacturing facility located at the Beijing Economic and Technological Development Area, and to build pre-filled injection production lines for Lantus (Insulin Glargine) SoloSTAR. With an expected capacity up to 50 million units, the new Lantus SoloSTAR investment will allow sanofi-aventis to better meet the growth demand of the Chinese market and improve the standard of care to combat diabetes in China.

Guo Jinlong, Mayor of Beijing, met with Christopher A. Viehbacher, chief executive officer of sanofi-aventis, and recognized sanofi-aventis' commitment to China. Officials from Beijing Economic and Technological Development Area were also present at the meeting. "The new Lantus SoloSTAR investment signifies a new milestone of sanofi-aventis' commitment to China. As the first multinational healthcare company to establish offices in China, we remain convinced of the strategic importance of the Chinese market," said Christopher A. Viehbacher. "We are particularly dedicated to investing in areas that can help China address its public health needs. Lantus SoloSTAR is a result of five years of R&D at the highest level. The local production of Lantus SoloSTARr at the new manufacturing site is scheduled to start in 2012, and it will bring great benefits to the diabetes patients in China," added Viehbacher.


Viehbacher also announced a new partnership with the Chinese Diabetes Society to initiate a diabetes genotyping project involving more than 46,000 diabetic and non-diabetic patients. This landmark study will analyze in-depth genetic factors to better understand the pathogenesis of type 2 diabetes, which could allow for the early detection of individuals at risk for developing diabetes and define effective risk prevention strategies. Furthermore, by defining new molecular targets, causally involved in the pathogenesis of diabetes, the results of this research might potentially help to develop new medicines for the prevention and/or treatment of diabetes.

The Lantus investment follows a 94 million USD (700 million RMB) investment that sanofi-aventis made in 2007 to establish a high-tech manufacturing facility to produce Vaxigrip for the prevention of seasonal influenza and to contribute to pandemic readiness in China. The two investments combined makes sanofi-aventis a leading investor in China's biological field. Sanofi-aventis' Shenzhen flu vaccine facility will complete construction this year, and enter the phase of equipment qualification and process validation. Vaxigrip production is scheduled to start in 2012.

Lantus is a truly 24-hour basal insulin without pronounced peak, and therefore efficaciously and safely lowers blood glucose. Lantus was launched in China in 2004. Lantus is indicated for once-daily subcutaneous administration in the treatment of adult patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus who require basal (long-acting) insulin for the control of hyperglycemia and for adult and paediatric patients (6 years of age and older) with type 1 diabetes mellitus. Lantus demonstrates a consistent slow, prolonged absorption and a relatively constant concentration/time profile over 24 hours.

SoloSTAR is a new, easy-to-use disposable pen for administration of Lantus and Apidra. SoloSTAR allows administering doses from 1 up to 80 units, in one unit increments, in one injection. SoloSTAR offers a 33 per cent greater maximum capacity than other disposable insulin pens, up to 80 units of insulin in one injection.

SoloSTAR uses a simple, intuitive design with an easy-to-read display, and requires only a few steps to use it properly. SoloSTAR is small, discreet and eliminates the need for the patient to change insulin cartridges. Easy-to-use and easy-to-inject, SoloSTAR reduces the injection force in comparison to other most broadly available pens in its class.

The Chicago Athenaeum Museum of Architecture and Design awarded a 2007 Good Design Award for the new SoloSTAR disposable insulin injection pen for people with type 1 and type 2 diabetes. The Museum's historic Good Design programme was founded in Chicago in 1950 by Edgar J.Kaufmann, Jr. with the participation of some of America's most important designers. Every year the jury meets in New York and select products and graphics worthy of the Good Design Award for design distinction. Good Design remains the oldest and most important Awards programme worldwide.

Beijing Economic and Technological Development Area was established in 1992. It was approved by the State Council as National Economic and Technological Development Zone. Beijing Economic and Technological Development Area covers a total area of 46.8 square kilometres, and is home to approximately 2,000 enterprises with 20 billion USD investment.

Sanofi-aventis is the first foreign pharmaceutical company to open offices in China. Sanofi-aventis is one of the fastest growing healthcare companies in China, with leading products covering vaccines (Vaxigrip) and major therapeutic areas, such as cardiovascular/thrombosis (Plavix, Aprovel/Co- Aprovel); diabetes (Lantus), oncology (Taxotere, Elaxotin), internal medicine (Essentiale), and central nervous system (Stilnox).