Lazio

Sanofi is transforming its Anagni site and stepping up the pace of the biotech revolution

President Cattani: Recognising the role of the life sciences as a driver of growth; institutions and local areas must work together to foster innovation and competitiveness

by Ernesto Diffidenti

25 September 2026

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3' min read

Translated by AI

Versione italiana

3' min read

Translated by AI

Versione italiana

The Sanofi site in Anagni is undergoing a period of profound strategic transformation: moving from its established expertise in chemical synthesis to advanced biotechnological solutions, with a new department dedicated to enzyme therapies for rare metabolic diseases and the integration of HIB vaccine production. This is an inevitable transition that is taking place in tandem with the technological and digital revolution in plant operations, as well as the integration of artificial intelligence into processes.

The new developments were presented during the meeting entitled ‘Innovation and sustainability to tackle the challenges facing industry and healthcare in the future’, organised at the Lazio plant, where discussions also centred on the measures needed to boost the attractiveness of investment, supply chains, skills and production capacity within the life sciences sector in Italia.

The impact on the local area

“The ability to promote health is a strategic component of a nation’s competitiveness,” said Marcello Cattani, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Sanofi Italia and Malta and President of Farmindustria. “It certainly means ensuring continuity of supply and access for patients, but also generating innovation, employment, skilled labour, production capacity and value for local communities.”

According to the latest Impact Report, produced by Sanofi in collaboration with KPMG Italia, Sanofi’s operations in Lazio have generated a contribution to GDP of 62 million euros, with the Anagni site helping to create a total of 1,050 jobs and distributing 55 million euros in income to the households of the workers involved. It is, therefore, a key centre for technological and digital innovation in the region, in which some €36 million has been invested over the last three years – with the support of the Ministry for Enterprise and Made in Italy – including €16.5 million in 2025 alone.

The plant, which exports 80 per cent of its output, is one of the largest freeze-drying centres in Europe, complemented by a pilot plant for the development of new freeze-drying cycles. The new department is set to produce enzyme replacement therapies for rare metabolic diseases caused by lysosomal storage disorders, an area in which Sanofi has over 40 years’ expertise. In recent months, validation activities have also been completed for the integration of HIB (Haemophilus influenzae type B) vaccine production, which Sanofi manufactures both as a monovalent formulation and in combination with other vaccines, such as the hexavalent vaccine for paediatric use.

Environmental value

“We believe it is necessary to fully recognise the role of the life sciences as a driver of growth,” continued Cattani. The dialogue we sought to foster in Anagni stems precisely from this conviction: industry, institutions and local communities must work together to create conditions capable of sustaining long-term investment, fostering innovation and making Italia increasingly competitive. Anagni serves as a vantage point but also as a concrete example of constant evolution, from which we can build a broader vision for the future of the life sciences in Italia.”

A value calculated not only in economic terms but also in environmental terms. In the coming months, one of the largest solar power plants in the Sanofi network will be installed in Anagni, covering an area of 100,000 m², which will reduce CO₂ emissions by 1,000 tonnes per year, partly thanks to the cogeneration unit being switched off during daylight hours: in recent years, the plant has reduced its CO₂ emissions by 37 per cent compared with 2019.

The commitment of the institutions

According to Valentino Valentini, Deputy Minister for Enterprise and Made in Italy, the transformation of the Anagni plant “demonstrates how technological innovation, sustainability and skills development can go hand in hand, strengthening national production capacity and creating skilled jobs. “As a Ministry, we are committed to creating the conditions for initiatives such as this to flourish and contribute to Italia’s position within the European life sciences supply chains.”

“The Lazio Region,” noted the president, Francesco Rocca, “is working side by side with trade associations and businesses, listening to their development needs: from support for the energy sector to strengthening dialogue with the research community.”

The proceedings, which were also attended by Renato Loiero, adviser to the Prime Minister on budgetary policy, Luciano Ciocchetti, Vice-Chair of the Chamber of Deputies’ Social Affairs Committee, and Salvatore De Meo, Member of the European Parliament, messages were also received from the Ministers for Foreign Affairs and Health, Antonio Tajani and Orazio Schillaci. The message was unanimous: “Innovation and industrial development must go hand in hand, within a framework of clear rules and dialogue between institutions and businesses”.

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