On Tuesday, March 25, 2025, Servier, the second-largest pharmaceutical laboratory in France, inaugurated a new production unit for the active ingredient of its flagship medication, Daflon, at its Bolbec site in Normandy. This significant investment of 150 million euros aims to secure the supply chain and meet the ambitious target of 1 billion euros in sales by 2030.
The unveiling of the new production line is a pivotal moment for Servier, as the company continues to enhance its manufacturing capabilities for Daflon, a treatment for venous diseases that has been on the market since 1987. Olivier Laureau, the president of Servier, emphasized the strategic nature of this project during a speech attended by local officials, including Hervé Morin, the president of the Normandy region. "Thanks to these new industrial capacities, we are securing our supply, enabling us to sustainably meet the growing global demand," Laureau stated.
Daflon has proven to be a financial powerhouse for Servier, generating 622 million euros in revenue for the fiscal year 2023-2024, which accounts for over 10% of the company's total revenue of 5.9 billion euros. Despite being a mature product with a generic version available, Daflon remains a best-seller, with its sales projected to increase significantly in the coming years.
The new production unit, named GF3, will boost the production of the active ingredient from 1,500 tons to 2,500 tons per year, with the potential to increase to 3,000 tons when combined with another facility currently under development in Budapest, Hungary. This expansion is crucial as the global market for venous diseases affects approximately 30% of the world's population, equating to around 2.2 billion patients, with a prevalence rate that increases by 4% each year.
In addition to the financial implications, the project has also created over 100 jobs at the Bolbec site, which now employs a total of 800 workers. Since 2019, Servier's Bolbec facility has been a significant contributor to the local economy, producing nearly 2,000 tons of active ingredients annually across various therapeutic areas, including cardiology and oncology.
The construction of the new unit was completed in a remarkable three years, significantly faster than the usual timeline of eight to nine years for such projects. Dean Lawrie, the project director for GF3, noted that the new manufacturing process for the active ingredient of Daflon is more environmentally efficient, particularly in the choice of solvents used to synthesize hesperidin, a natural substance extracted from immature oranges grown in India, China, and Mexico.
Furthermore, the new facility includes a methanization station to convert treated waste into gas, allowing the unit to be nearly autonomous in terms of energy needs. A wastewater treatment plant was also installed to minimize the environmental footprint of the production site, demonstrating Servier's commitment to sustainable practices.
As the prevalence of venous diseases continues to rise, particularly in Eastern Europe and Latin America, Servier's investment aligns with the increasing demand for effective treatments. Currently, over 30% of patients suffering from venous diseases remain untreated, highlighting a significant market opportunity for Daflon.
Servier's ambitions extend beyond immediate production goals. The company aims to produce over 150 million boxes of Daflon by 2035, a substantial increase from the 110 million boxes currently produced. This strategic growth plan reflects Servier's commitment to enhancing its market position while addressing the healthcare needs of millions.
In conjunction with the Bolbec unit, Servier is investing 80 million euros in its Budapest site, further solidifying its manufacturing capabilities for the active ingredient of Daflon. These simultaneous initiatives underscore Servier's dedication to securing and doubling its production capacity, ensuring that it can meet the rising demand for its products.
The Daflon project not only strengthens Servier's operational capacity but also reinforces its role as a key player in the European pharmaceutical landscape. With a total investment of over 230 million euros in active ingredient production across Europe between 2019 and 2025, Servier is positioning itself as a leader in industrial investment and maintaining a strong local presence.
As the global population grapples with the challenges posed by venous diseases, Servier's proactive approach in expanding its production capabilities and securing its supply chain reflects a broader commitment to public health. With the new production unit in Bolbec now operational, Servier is poised to enhance its contributions to the healthcare sector while striving to achieve its ambitious sales targets by 2030.