Boryung Signs Agreement to Acquire Global Taxotere Business from Sanofi in 280 Billion Won Deal

Emerging as a Global Pharmaceutical Company in the Field of Cytotoxic Anticancer Drugs

Boryung Corporation announced on September 30 that it has signed an acquisition agreement with global biopharmaceutical company Sanofi for the global business rights to the cytotoxic anticancer drug Taxotere (ingredient: docetaxel), including domestic and international rights for sales, distribution, approval, manufacturing, and trademarks. The contract is valued at up to 175 million euros (approximately 287.8 billion won). Of this, 161 million euros will be paid on the closing date of the transaction, and an additional 14 million euros will be paid upon fulfillment of certain conditions specified in the contract.

Through this agreement, Boryung will comprehensively acquire all business operations related to Taxotere in 19 countries, including South Korea, China, Germany, and Spain, as well as in Latin America and the Middle East, as soon as regulatory approvals are obtained from the respective authorities. After completing the necessary licensing procedures, Boryung plans to manufacture Taxotere at its Yesan Campus and directly distribute and sell the original drug in the global market. This will enable Boryung to establish itself as a global pharmaceutical company with original cytotoxic anticancer drugs.

Docetaxel, the active ingredient in Taxotere, is listed on the World Health Organization's Essential Medicines List, and Taxotere is the original product containing docetaxel. Since receiving approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in 1995, Taxotere has been widely used to treat various solid tumors, including breast cancer, prostate cancer, gastric cancer, and head and neck cancer, making it a leading cytotoxic anticancer drug. Recently, its use has expanded, particularly in combination therapies, and it continues to play a key role in global cancer treatment. According to Sanofi, Taxotere recorded global sales of 70 million euros (approximately 115.4 billion won) last year.

Boryung has previously acquired domestic business operations for global original anticancer drugs such as Gemzar in 2021 and Alimta in 2023, successfully ensuring stable supply and transitioning to in-house production. This latest acquisition, which marks Boryung's first foray into global business, is seen as a pivotal step for the company to expand beyond the domestic market and become a global pharmaceutical player.

Through the acquisition of the Taxotere business, Boryung aims to establish itself as a global pharmaceutical company specializing in cytotoxic anticancer drugs. A Boryung representative stated, "While the paradigm for cancer treatment is shifting toward targeted and immuno-oncology therapies, cytotoxic anticancer drugs remain an essential foundation for cancer treatment. In fact, repeated shortages and supply disruptions of cytotoxic drugs in the global market have impacted patient care. By acquiring the global Taxotere business, Boryung plans to build a stable global supply chain for these increasingly vital essential medicines and expand a differentiated portfolio in the cytotoxic anticancer drug sector."

This agreement also represents an extension of the expertise Boryung has accumulated through its experience with Gemzar and Alimta. By adding Taxotere to its cytotoxic anticancer drug portfolio, Boryung has laid the groundwork to expand its role in the global market based on the production and direct distribution of original anticancer drugs. Domestically, the company plans to strengthen profitability by leveraging its accumulated sales and marketing capabilities in anticancer drugs, while globally, it aims to expand its presence through collaboration with key partners.

Boryung CEO Kim Jeonggyun stated, "Boryung has not simply acquired anticancer drugs, but has secured sustainable competitiveness through internalization and formulation improvements. The acquisition of the global Taxotere business is not only our third anticancer drug acquisition following Gemzar and Alimta, but also marks the first time Boryung has secured global business rights for an original drug, paving the way for a full-scale entry into overseas markets."

Kim added, "Beyond simple technology transfer, we will enhance the therapeutic value of Taxotere by expanding into follow-up formulation development, combination strategies, and research into new indications across all areas of R&D. Through this, we will build a differentiated portfolio in the cytotoxic anticancer drug sector, directly manufacture and distribute original anticancer drugs on the global stage, and strengthen our future growth engines."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.