France is once again establishing itself as a key player in pharmaceutical production in Europe. Thanks to major investments, innovation, and the reshoring of strategic sites, the French industry is addressing the challenges of health sovereignty and the supply of European pharmacies.
A European context marked by supply chain tensions
The Covid-19 pandemic highlighted Europe’s dependence on Asia for essential medicines. In response, France launched an ambitious policy of reshoring and industrial innovation, supported by the France 2030 plan and European initiatives.
Reshoring and innovation: the pillars of the French strategy
Flagship production sites
- UPSA in Agen (Lot-et-Garonne): production of strategic molecules to secure the European supply of common medicines.
“Producing in France means guaranteeing the quality and availability of treatments for European patients. This commitment is part of our desire to contribute to health sovereignty.” — Isabelle Van Rycke, President of UPSA.
- Novartis in Huningue (Alsace): the Swiss group’s biotechnology site, selected for the manufacture of innovative oncology medicines (targeted radiotherapy).
“At Huningue, we are reinventing medicine to improve and extend patients’ lives. Quality and safety are at the heart of our mission.” — Imre Bajusz, Director of Novartis Huningue.
- Other major players: Sanofi, Servier, Pierre Fabre, Delpharm, Fareva, Recipharm, all contributing to the reshoring and innovation dynamic.
Key figures
- 271 pharmaceutical production sites in France, employing nearly 100,000 people.
- 3.5 billion boxes of medicines produced annually nationwide.
- 14 industrial projects supported by France 2030 to relocate or strengthen the production of essential medicines, representing nearly €300 million in industrial investments.
The challenges: sovereignty, security, innovation
Health sovereignty
Reshoring production reduces dependence on extra-European imports and guarantees access to essential treatments, even in times of crisis.
“France 2030 is a turning point: we are taking risks to innovate and produce in France, to restore our health sovereignty.” — Bruno Bonnell, Secretary General for Investment, France 2030.
Supply security
France aims to secure the availability of medicines in European pharmacies, especially for critical molecules (paracetamol, antibiotics, cancer drugs, vaccines).
Therapeutic innovation
The rise of biomedicines (gene therapies, monoclonal antibodies, innovative vaccines) positions France as the second largest European player in the sector, with the goal of producing 60 innovative biomedicines by 2030.
Why France? Key factors
- Industrial expertise and highly qualified workforce.
- Some of the strictest quality standards in Europe.
- Ideal geographic position for rapid supply to the European market.
- Strong public support (France 2030, Bpifrance, Business France).
“Business France stands out for its mission to position France as a destination of choice for foreign investors” — Benoît Trivulce, Acting CEO, Business France
International impact and European leadership
France plays a leading role in European coordination for the reshoring of pharmaceutical production. The country calls for a common strategy to strengthen the continent’s health sovereignty and ensure patient safety across Europe.
Innovative companies and outlook
- UPSA, Novartis, Sanofi, Delpharm, Fareva, Recipharm: leaders in production and innovation.
- Startups and SMEs: developing new biotechnologies, 3D printing of medicines, smart logistics and traceability solutions.
Conclusion
Pharmaceutical production in France is a strategic issue for Europe. Through reshoring, innovation, and the mobilization of the entire ecosystem, France is strengthening the security of supply for European pharmacies and contributing to the continent’s health sovereignty.
