Preparing for the loss of
patents on big drugs such as Plavix and Lovenox, the French drugs maker Sanofi SA decided
to set up a 50-50 partnership with the soft-drink giant Coca-Cola Co. to launch
a range of drinks carrying various well-being and beauty claims as part of
parallel diversification efforts. The news of Sanofi's - Coca Cola partnership
was aired at a meeting with French union reps about the drugmaker's impending
layoffs.
The drinks business will
begin with four products made with mineral water, fruit juice and nutritional
ingredients, WSJ says. The drinks, called Beautific Oenobiol. One
would be billed as a hair-and-fingernail strengthener; the rest as aids to
weight loss, vitality and skin. If they catch on in France, where they'll be
sold in pharmacies, the products could be rolled out across Europe.
The companies confirmed the
plan after it was first leaked by Sanofi's labor union representatives, who
said they were angered to see the drug maker "spouting about beauty
drinks". Some members were offended by the venture. In light of the big
R&D cuts in France, "We find it shocking," one told the newspapers.