Sanofi-Aventis Nigeria Limited, a French pharmaceutical company, said it will adopt a third-party model for the distribution of its products in Nigeria.
Gatekeepers News reports that in a letter to customers, dated November 7, 2023, the company said the “exciting transformation of its business model in Nigeria”, would take effect in February 2024.
Sanofi is a major supplier of injectable polio vaccines, as well as influenza, meningitis, and rabies vaccines.
According to the letter, signed by Folake Odederin, general manager (general medicines) and country lead, the third-party distributor will be announced on a later date.
“In our new model, commercialisation of Sanofi’s portfolio of medicines will be driven solely by a 3rd party distributor to be named soon,” the statement reads.
“This strategic move represents a significant milestone for our organisation and is driven by our commitment to continually improve access to our medicines and to better serve our patients and the Nigerian health system.”
The company also said it is engaging with its employees, partners, and key stakeholders “to ensure full transparency”.
“In the coming days, it will make a public announcement through the media,” the firm said.
“However, we recognise that our relationship with our stakeholders is of paramount importance, and we wish to share this information with you in advance.
“While details of our new business model will be made in our media announcement, be assured that this transformation is rooted in our commitment to providing more value to patients.
“We understand that you may have questions or concerns, and we are committed to addressing them as much as we can.”
