Boryung acquires global rights to Sanofis Taxotere in $205M deal, aims to revive legacy chemotherapy drug
South Korea’s Boryung Corporation is expanding its global oncology footprint with the purchase of Sanofi’s long-standing chemotherapy Taxotere (docetaxel) in nearly 20 countries, betting it can extract new value from a drug that once generated blockbuster sales.
The agreement, announced Monday, transfers rights to the cancer treatment in markets including South Korea, Germany, Spain and China, for up to €175 million ($205 million). The deal includes milestone payments of €14 million ($16 million). Boryung said it will take over manufacturing at its plant in Yesan, South Korea, with the goal of reinforcing global supply and stabilizing access amid ongoing drug shortages.
From blockbuster to legacy therapy
First approved in the 1990s, Taxotere was once one of Sanofi’s top-selling drugs, widely prescribed for breast, lung and prostate cancers. Annual sales peaked at more than $3 billion before generic competition eroded revenue following U.S. patent expiration in 2010. Last year, Sanofi reported worldwide Taxotere sales of about €70 million ($82 million), a fraction of its former peak.
Today, Taxotere remains on the World Health Organization’s list of essential medicines, used both as monotherapy and in combination regimens for early-stage and metastatic cancers. Despite its diminished commercial profile, the drug continues to play a critical role in oncology, particularly in health systems with limited access to newer therapies.
For Sanofi, the divestiture underscores a broader strategy of shedding non-core assets. The French drugmaker has been streamlining its oncology portfolio to focus resources on immuno-oncology and other innovative cancer treatments.
Boryung’s expansion strategy
Boryung’s acquisition reflects its ambition to expand beyond the Korean market and strengthen its global oncology position. The company already markets Eli Lilly’s chemotherapies Gemzar and Alimta in Korea, and has signaled plans to build a portfolio anchored by cytotoxic agents.
In a statement, CEO Jay Kim said Boryung intends to pursue R&D programs aimed at enhancing Taxotere’s value through improved formulations, novel combinations, and potential new indications. “This acquisition establishes Boryung as a global pharmaceutical company with a strong portfolio of legacy cytotoxic anti-cancer drugs,” he said.
The company also emphasized its focus on addressing recurring shortages of chemotherapy drugs — a growing issue in oncology care, including in the United States, where supply disruptions for platinum-based agents and other generics have left patients vulnerable. By assuming production responsibilities, Boryung said it aims to maintain a “stable global supply chain.”
Implications for the U.S. market
While the deal does not cover the United States, industry analysts say Boryung’s move could indirectly affect global supply and pricing dynamics. Docetaxel remains widely available as a generic in the U.S., but periodic shortages have strained hospitals and cancer clinics. Additional manufacturing capacity from Boryung could help stabilize international markets and ease pressure on supply chains.
“Even legacy oncology drugs play a crucial role in treatment,” said Daniel Faga, a former biotech executive and industry consultant. “Ensuring continuity of supply is as important as innovation, especially when shortages can directly impact patient outcomes.”
Next steps
The transaction is expected to close later this year, pending regulatory clearances. Boryung has not disclosed sales targets but signaled that it views the asset as a platform for future oncology growth.
For Sanofi, the divestiture represents another step in its effort to offload older assets while pursuing higher-value therapies. For Boryung, it provides a chance to enter larger international markets and demonstrate that legacy drugs can still generate meaningful revenue when managed strategically.
If Boryung invests in enhancing formulations (e.g., nanoparticle delivery, better tolerability) or combining Taxotere with novel agents (checkpoint inhibitors, biomarkers, adjuvant regimens), it may unlock value that Sanofi or others previously overlooked.
