This is a first in France, and a strong symbol in a climate of mistrust around pharmaceutical production. UPSA announced this Thursday that it had become the first pharmaceutical laboratory to obtain Origine France Garantie (OFG) certification for all of its medicines marketed in France. A demanding label, recognized by the State, which certifies that 100% of production is carried out on national territory.
While only 30% of medicines consumed in France are still manufactured locally, UPSA claims to choose “transparency, safety, quality and traceability”. Based in Agen, the company, founded in 1935, continues its historic commitment to a French industrial foothold, in a sector still very dependent on imports.
Origine France Garantie, a label audited every year
In a context where the term “Made in France” often causes confusion, OFG certification aims to provide independent and controlled proof. It is based on two strict conditions: on the one hand, that the product acquires its essential characteristics in France – formulation, manufacturing, quality controls, packaging – and on the other hand, that at least 50% of the added value is achieved in France. At UPSA, this share reaches on average 75%.
The approach is not based on a simple declaration: it involves an independent annual audit, guaranteeing continuous compliance.
“UPSA is a symbol of French industrial know-how. Being the first pharmaceutical laboratory certified Origine France Garantie is strong proof of commitment, transparency and loyalty to patients and the country.” underlines Gilles Attaf, president of the Origine France Garantie Association.
A direct response to the expectations of French patients
According to a study carried out in June 2024, 9 out of 10 French people consider “Made in France” as a criterion of trust, just after transparency on manufacturing methods. However, only one in two people today believe that it is easy to identify a truly French product. UPSA intends to meet this growing expectation by relying on this strong label.
The company employs 1,800 people, including 1,700 in France, and exports more than 55% of its volumes to more than 60 countries each year. In 2024, it also obtained B Corp certification, proof of its environmental and societal commitment.
For Isabelle Van Rycke, President and CEO of the UPSA group, this approach is not a communication operation, but the culmination of a long-standing anchorage.
“Many talk about ‘Made in France’. At UPSA, this is not a trend: it is our history. For 90 years, we have been producing our medicines here, in France and today, we can prove it. Origine France Garantie is not a marketing slogan: it is proof. Proof that behind each box of UPSA medicine, there is French know-how and the guarantee of safety, transparency and quality in the service of patients and our health sovereignty.”