Pierre Fabre continues to ensure its products are available to patients and consumers
5 April 2021
Castres, April 1, 2021 - The Pierre Fabre Group confirms that it was the target of a cyberattack early yesterday morning.
With the rapid response of IT staff, less than 24 hours after the incident occurred, the computer virus has been totally brought under control. In parallel, remediation operations began on March 31 to enable a gradual return to normal.
As a precaution, and in line with its risk management plan, the Group’s information system was immediately put into standby mode to curb the spread of the virus. This led to the gradual, temporary stoppage of most production activities (except for the production facility in Gaillac (in the Tarn in France), which manufactures active ingredients for pharmaceuticals and cosmetic products).
The Pierre Fabre Group emphasizes that it continues to ensure its products are available to patients and consumers. The pharmaceutical distribution site in Ussel (Corrèze) is primarily responsible for distributing cancer drugs which are delivered directly to pharmacists and hospitals.
Office-based employees and those working in the sales networks still have access to the main computer applications, meaning they are able to carry out their work from home or in the field.
We remind you that:
Pharmaceuticals and dermo-cosmetic products are distributed via wholesalers and dispatchers who keep products in stock;
Almost 70% of the Group’s revenues come from international sales, via 44 subsidiaries and distributors who have their own stocks, as well as wholesalers in the 140 countries in which its products are distributed.
Customers, partners and the competent authorities have been notified about the situation.
The Group’s staff and its IT partners are working at full capacity to rectify the situation within the next few days.
About Pierre Fabre
Pierre Fabre is the 2nd largest dermo-cosmetics laboratory in the world, the 2nd largest independent French pharmaceutical group and the market leader in France for products sold over the counter in pharmacies. Its portfolio includes several medical franchises and international brands including Pierre Fabre Oncologie, Pierre Fabre Dermatologie, Eau Thermale Avène, Klorane, Ducray, René Furterer, A-Derma, Naturactive, and Pierre Fabre Oral Care.
In 2020, Pierre Fabre generated 2.2 billion euros in revenues, 65% of which came from international sales. Established in the Occitanie region since its creation, and manufacturing over 95% of its products in France, the Group employs some 10,000 people worldwide. Its products are distributed in 130 countries.
86% of the Pierre Fabre Group is held by the Pierre Fabre Foundation, a government-recognized public-interest foundation, while a smaller share is owned by its employees via an employee stock ownership plan.
In 2019, Ecocert Environment assessed the Group’s corporate social and environmental responsibility approach in accordance with the ISO 26000 sustainable development standard and awarded it the “Excellence” level.
Pierre Fabre press contacts
Caroline Perdrix
+33 (0)6 09 22 29 67
caroline.perdrix@pierre-fabre.com
Dorothée Kohler
+33 (0)6 08 09 22 41
dorothee.kohler@pierre-fabre.com