Sanofi reports further growth in 2012 first quarter

Sanofi has reported continued growth in the first quarter of 2012, with total sales reaching 8.51 billion euros during the three months.

This represented an increase of 9.4 percent on a reported basis, which was driven primarily by the positive impact of last year's Genzyme acquisition, as well as its growth platforms and cost-saving programmes.

Key highlights of the quarter included the commencement of shipments of the Genzyme drug Fabrazyme from its newly approved Framingham plant, improved diabetes drug sales and a record consumer health performance.

The company was also able to submit three products for regulatory approval and produce positive clinical trial data for Lemtrada plus a new anti-PCSK9 agent, while a recent deal to purchase Massachusetts-based Pluromed will expand its presence in the biosurgery field.

Sanofi chief executive officer Christopher Viehbacher said: "Although, as expected, Plavix will lose exclusivity in May in the US, the strong underlying performance of the business is consistent with our medium-term growth outlook."