Opella steps up efforts to expand China presence

With high regard for China's vast market potential and dynamic innovation ecosystem, Opella, Sanofi's consumer healthcare business, is expected to leverage local platforms to drive innovation and collaborate with domestic healthcare institutions to increase its presence in the country.

"China is not only one of our largest markets globally, but also a fertile ground for health innovation. Therefore, what we see here are abundant opportunities," said Nikunj Thakker, global brand general manager of Essentiale, at a recent event co-hosted by Opella and JD Health in Beijing to advance cooperation in the field of liver health. Essentiale is a brand of Opella.

Looking ahead, Essentiale will continue to drive innovation across the entire industry chain, aiming to enhance synergy between the medical and retail sectors, said the general manager.

The company is also expected to collaborate with China's medical community to develop screening tools for rapid liver disease and establish risk assessment models.

"These efforts aim to improve early disease diagnosis rates, enabling more people to receive timely interventions," Nikunj said.

"China's health market holds immense growth potential, and the Chinese government's long-term support for foreign enterprises and the health industry gives us even greater confidence," he said.

According to data from the China Consumers Association, the total revenue of China's health industry is projected to have reached 9 trillion yuan ($1.23 trillion) in 2024, marking a significant increase from 8 trillion yuan in 2021.

China's broad market prospects have unlocked new opportunities for Essentiale, Nikunj said.