Key takeaways from Fireside chat with Vice President Industrial Affairs & Site Head at Sanofi
The pharmaceutical industry is one that has been on everyone’s mind these past 2 years, pushing the frontiers of science. FCCCO had the distinct honour of hosting the Canadian Leadership of one of the world’s top companies in terms of pharmaceutical manufacturing, research, and discoveries- Sanofi.
Future of Pharmaceutical Industry in Canada
Sanofi recognizes that Toronto has a role to play in the global game, and the huge amount of talent it has to offer. Their aim is to keep manufacturing local and rebuild Canada’s domestic biomanufacturing sector, focusing on both short-term strategic solutions and a long‑term vision. By doing that, they are also creating and maintaining highly skilled jobs, and securing the health and safety of Canadians.
Canada needs to prepare itself for the next pandemic, which is inevitable. With that being said, it is important to point to the unique advantage Canada has, that allows companies like Sanofi to reach their full potential and foster growth. Canada allows for companies like Sanofi to build strong connections with all 3 levels of Government- Federal, Provincial and Municipal Governments. When leveraged, this advantage creates a space for the two sectors to work as a unit and deliver great success.
Leading Innovation at Sanofi
The world today is racing, and Sanofi has uniquely positioned themselves to stay one step ahead of the constant speed of innovation. Apart from building the state of art facilities, Sanofi is trying to future proof their technology by adopting Artificial Intelligence to make better predictions that lead to better outcomes.
With the realization that MRNA technology is here to stay, and that there is a need for companies need to invest in it, Sanofi has also established a MRNA center of excellence. Sanofi will invest approximately €400 million annually in a first-of-its kind vaccines mRNA Centre of Excellence. The Centre will work to accelerate the development and delivery of next-generation vaccines by bringing together approximately 400 dedicated employees integrating end-to-end mRNA vaccine capabilities with dedicated R&D, digital, and chemistry, manufacturing, and controls (CMC) teams.
Being in the Public health business- Sanofi functions on a strong sense of purpose. Innovation in the pharma industry is not just a part of their mission to help prevent the spread of the Covid-19 virus but also because they have a larger role to play with Pandemic readiness.
Sustainability at Sanofi
Sanofi has committed to monitoring and reducing its environmental impact through its strategy, “Planet Mobilization”, to limit the impact on the environment at every stage of the product lifecycle: from the raw materials they use in their medicines, devices, and services to their potential end-of-life impact on human health and the environment.
Sanofi has been awarded the second highest score in the pharma industry by the Dow Jones Sustainability Index (DJSI). Recognized for its performance for the 15th consecutive year, this enables Sanofi to be included in both DJSI World Index1 and DJSI Europe Index.
Another very important element of sustainability is Diversity and Inclusion, which has been a top priority for the pharma giant. Sanofi has already made strong progress on their ambition to be a gender-balanced organization. Fabien highlighted how bringing together the global reach and the talents of their employees with their different backgrounds, experiences, and approaches, forms an incredibly diverse and progressive workplace at Sanofi.
State-of-the-Art Vaccine Plant
Despite multiple vaccines becoming available, there remain vast global health needs further exasperated by the unpredictability of virus variants. Sanofi is continuing to complement its expertise and resources with that of their peers to help prevent and control the pandemic over the long term.
Sanofi has been at the helm of this turn-over brought on by the pandemic. In Toronto, a new vaccine facility has been set-up to increase supply of its differentiated influenza vaccines in Canada, the United States and Europe. In partnership with the Governments of Canada and Ontario, and the City of Toronto, the new facility will also enhance influenza pandemic preparedness efforts.
Sanofi is committed to building the infrastructure of tomorrow. The state-of-the-art vaccine plant in Toronto is the company’s largest facility-based investment to date.
About Fabien Marino,
Vice President Industrial Affairs & Site Head, Sanofi
Fabien Marino is the Vice President Industrial Affairs and Site Head for Sanofi Pasteur Limited, the Canadian vaccine division of Sanofi, where he has led all industrial functions since 2018. A proven team builder and high energy leader, his vision is to strengthen industrial scale biotechnology manufacturing in Canada.
He holds a successful track record in leading and transforming large and complex site and global operations into recognized best in class and high performing organizations.
Under his leadership, the campus has become a top vaccine global performer attracting $2 billion in investments to build new modern biomanufacturing infrastructure representing the largest biotech investments in Canadian and Sanofi history to-date.
Fabien’s business experience spans multiple sectors: global oil and gas, life sciences and pharmaceutical companies, in both start-ups and established corporations. A Canadian citizen, he has worked extensively in both Canada and the U.S. Among his past roles are Head of Canadian operations for Merck KGaA Crop BioScience and Head of Operations, Southern California for Merck KGaA life sciences.
He holds three degrees from McGill University in science and engineering and professional certification in supply chain and project management.
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