Lotus Pharma Expands in Southeast Asia with Alpha Choay Acquisition from Sanofi

Lotus Pharmaceutical has acquired the trademark, marketing authorization, and manufacturing know-how of Alpha Choay (Chymotrypsine) from Sanofi in Vietnam and Cambodia. The acquisition enables Lotus to immediately manage Alpha Choay’s business in both markets. Additionally, the company will assume full control of operations following the transaction’s closure.

Lotus Takes Immediate Control of Alpha Choay: A Leading Treatment for Inflammatory Edema in Southeast Asia

Lotus Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd (“Lotus” or “the Company,” Taiwan TWSE ticker: 1795), a multinational pharmaceutical company, has announced that its Board of Directors approved the acquisition of the trademark, marketing authorization, and manufacturing know-how of Alpha Choay in Vietnam and Cambodia from Sanofi. Upon the transaction’s closing, Lotus will take immediate control of Alpha Choay’s business in both markets, expanding its operational footprint in Southeast Asia.

Alpha Choay is a well-established treatment for edema caused by inflammation, trauma, surgery, or burns in Vietnam. Known for its effective anti-inflammatory properties, the drug accelerates the reabsorption of edemas and hematomas, making it a staple in postoperative care. In 2023, Alpha Choay achieved over US$22 million in sales across Vietnam and Cambodia. Lotus Pharmaceutical’s acquisition positions the company to capitalize on this success as it takes over the management and operations of the product in both markets. 

Petar Vazharov, CEO of Lotus, highlighted the acquisition’s strategic value, stating, “Lotus is committed to providing patient access to quality medicines worldwide. The acquisition of Alpha Choay, a leading brand in the anti-inflammatory sector in Vietnam, underpins this commitment. Notably, Alpha Choay offers Lotus access to the pharmacy channel in Vietnam whilst significantly expanding our presence in the region.” This marks Lotus’s second acquisition in Southeast Asia in 2024, reinforcing the company’s aggressive expansion strategy as it aims to become a dominant player in the Asia-Pacific region.

Lotus Pharmaceutical Expands Global Presence with Over 250 Products and Strategic Projects; Sanofi Focuses on Worldwide Treatment and Vaccine Solutions

Lotus Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd (1795: TT), founded in 1966, operates as a global pharmaceutical company specializing in novel and generic drugs. The company maintains a significant R&D and manufacturing platform in Asia and establishes partnerships in major markets including the U.S., Europe, Japan, China, and Brazil. Consequently, Lotus manages over 100 strategic projects across Asia and the U.S., with a portfolio of more than 250 commercial products. It focuses on high-barrier oncology treatments, complex generics, 505(b)(2), and New Chemical Entities (NCE) drugs through internal R&D and licensing. Additionally, Lotus invests in biosimilars with support from strategic partners. Its infrastructure holds certifications from regulatory authorities such as the US FDA, EU EMA, Japan PMDA, China FDA, and Brazil ANVISA.

Furthermore, Sanofi is a global healthcare company that focuses on providing treatment options and vaccine protection to individuals worldwide. The company operates internationally and centers its efforts on sustainability and social responsibility. It lists on EURONEXT under the ticker SAN and on NASDAQ under the ticker SNY. Sanofi focuses on treating a range of diseases with its diverse portfolio of drugs and vaccines. For instance, it develops treatments for diabetes, such as Lantus and Toujeo; oncology drugs like Libtayo for various cancers; cardiovascular medications including Praluent for cholesterol management; and rare disease therapies such as Aldurazyme and Cerdelga. Moreover, Sanofi offers vaccines like Fluzone for influenza and Pentacel for multiple diseases. Additionally, it addresses neurology with drugs like Aubagio and Dupixent for multiple sclerosis and various allergies.

Author

Bernice Lottering