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Photo: Celltrion |
[Alpha Biz= Kim Jisun] Celltrion announced on May 12 that it has acquired a 100% stake in GIPHAR, in a move aimed at proactively responding to France’s expanding drug substitution policies.
The acquisition price was not disclosed by mutual agreement, and all approximately 70 employees of GIPHAR will be retained. Founded in 1912, GIPHAR operates an extensive nationwide network in France, including more than 9,000 pharmacies and supply channels to around 800 hospitals.
Celltrion said the acquisition is intended to strengthen its position ahead of anticipated policy changes by the French government to broaden substitution rights, which allow pharmacists to dispense alternative medicines based on prescriptions.
With France expected to approve substitution for denosumab treatments—Prolia and Xgeva—this year, Celltrion plans to leverage GIPHAR’s distribution network to market its biosimilars, Stoboclo and Osenvelt.
The acquisition also enables Celltrion to secure a portfolio of more than 140 products held by GIPHAR, expanding beyond biopharmaceuticals into over-the-counter (OTC) and pharmacy (DM) products. In particular, the company expects to gain a competitive edge in markets such as saline solutions and teeth whitening products, where GIPHAR has strong capabilities.
Celltrion stated that it expects to generate more than KRW 250 billion in additional revenue over the next five years through GIPHAR’s product portfolio.
The company is also reviewing plans to distribute GIPHAR products in other countries by leveraging its direct sales network. “While we currently focus on biosimilars, the addition of GIPHAR’s portfolio is expected to enhance competitiveness through expanded OTC sales and broader product diversification,” Celltrion said.
Alphabiz Reporter Kim Jisun(stockmk2020@alphabiz.co.kr)
