Abstract
sanofi-aventis ranks third amongst research-based pharmaceutical companies,
behind Pfizer and GlaxoSmithKline. This report provides a full review of the
company's activities together with sales forecasts for key products to 2010.
sanofi-aventis was formed in August 2004, when Sanofi-Synthélabo
acquired control of Aventis. Subsequently, on 31st December 2004, Aventis
merged with and into sanofi-aventis, with sanofi-aventis as the surviving
company. With total revenues of over EUR 27 billion in 2005, the combined
entity ranks third amongst research-based pharmaceutical companies behind
Pfizer and GlaxoSmithKline.
sanofi-aventis is focused on two core areas, pharmaceuticals (principally
prescription drugs) and human vaccines. Within the pharmaceutical area,
sanofi-aventis is active in the following therapeutic areas:
Cardiovascular/Thrombosis, Metabolism, Oncology, Central Nervous System and
Internal Medicine (which includes Respiratory/Allergy, Urology,
Arthritis/Osteoporosis and Anti-infectives).
Current Growth Drivers
In the cardiovascular field, Plavix is sanofi-aventis' second best selling
product and has demonstrated strong year-on-year sales increases. The recent
approval in Japan for the treatment of stroke (January 2006) will further
boost sales and is expected to expand sanofi-avenits' profile within this
market.
Lantus has achieved remarkable year-on-year growth in an increasingly
competitive field, with its once-daily dosing setting it apart from its
competitors. The US launch of Lantus in combination with Apidra, scheduled for
the first quarter of 2006, is anticipated to further bolster sales, allowing
it to make significant gains in the metabolic market.
Sales of Actonel for use in the prevention and treatment of postmenopausal
osteoporosis and corticosteroid-induced osteoporosis, are showing a steady
increase. Estimated peak sales of this product are forecast at over US$1
billion.
sanofi pasteur (sanofi-aventis' vaccines subsidiary) is a world leader in the
development and marketing of vaccines. 2005 saw three successful launches:
Decavac, Menactra and Adacel. sanofi pasteur also has the ability to exploit
the expanding influenza market. The following launches are set to drive growth
in 2006: Pediacel (polio, pertussis/Hib)' ProQuad (measles, mumps, Rubella and
Varicella); Gardasil (Herpes and genital infections); RotaTeq (rotavirus
infections); Zostavax (Zoster) and Menactra (meningitis).
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