Boehringer Ingelheim to Begin Local Production of Diabetes Drug Trajenta in Shanghai by 2028
Key Insights
Boehringer Ingelheim announced plans to produce its flagship diabetes drug Trajenta at its Shanghai facility, with deliveries to the Chinese market expected to begin in 2028.
The oral hypoglycemic medication, which controls blood sugar by promoting insulin secretion, generated global sales of EUR 1.7 billion (USD 1.96 billion) in 2023.
Local production aims to enhance supply reliability and expand patient access while prompting equipment upgrades and capacity expansion at the Shanghai manufacturing site.
German pharmaceutical giant Boehringer Ingelheim announced plans to begin local production of its flagship diabetes drug Trajenta at its Shanghai facility, targeting the start of deliveries in the Chinese market in 2028. The move represents a significant expansion of the company's manufacturing capabilities in China as it marks its 30th anniversary in the country.
Strategic Manufacturing Expansion
Local production of Trajenta, an oral medication that controls blood sugar by promoting insulin secretion, will enhance supply reliability and expand patient access to the treatment. The initiative will also drive equipment upgrades and capacity expansion at Boehringer's Shanghai manufacturing site, according to the company's announcement.
The decision comes as Trajenta continues to demonstrate strong commercial performance globally, with sales reaching EUR 1.7 billion (USD 1.96 billion) in 2023, reflecting steady growth for the diabetes treatment.
China as Innovation Hub
Mohammed Tawil, president and chief executive of Boehringer Ingelheim's China operations, emphasized that China has evolved into both a major market and innovation hub for the company. "China has become a major market and innovation hub for the company," Tawil noted, adding that Boehringer will continue to leverage China's speed, scale, and influence to advance localization of development efforts and serve global patients.
The Shanghai facility serves as Boehringer's China headquarters and houses R&D operations, digital laboratories, and a substantial biopharmaceutical production complex. The site handles human pharmaceuticals, animal health care, and biopharma contract manufacturing operations.
Significant Investment Commitment
Earlier this year, Boehringer announced plans to invest more than CNY 5 billion (USD 701 million) in China over the next five years for research and development of new products. The investment will focus human drug development in key therapeutic areas including metabolism, inflammation, eye health, and oncology, while the company's animal health care division will accelerate vaccine innovation and development.
The German pharmaceutical company currently employs more than 3,700 staff across China, with Shanghai serving as its major regional hub. The local production of Trajenta represents another milestone in Boehringer's long-term commitment to the Chinese market and its strategy to localize operations for better patient access and supply chain reliability.