In the third quarter of 2009, sanofi-aventis generated net sales of €7,400 million, up 8.0% on a reported basis. Exchange rate movements had a favorable effect of 2.0 percentage points, with the appreciation of the U.S. dollar (and to a lesser extent the yen) against the euro more than offsetting the unfavorable effects of some other currencies. At constant exchange rates, and after taking account of changes in structure (in particular the consolidation of Zentiva and Medley), net sales rose by 6.0%. Excluding changes in structure and at constant exchange rates, third-quarter organic net sales growth was 3.2%.
Net sales for the first nine months of 2009 were 7.2% higher at €21,945 million. Exchange rate movements, primarily the appreciation of the U.S. dollar against the euro, had a favorable effect of 3.1 percentage points. At constant exchange rates, and after taking account of changes in structure (primarily the consolidation of Zentiva and Medley in the second quarter, and the end of commercialization of Copaxone® by sanofi-aventis in North America effective April 1, 2008), net sales rose by 4.1%. Excluding changes in structure and at constant exchange rates, organic net sales growth over the first 9 months of 2009 was 3.5%.
Third-quarter net sales for the Pharmaceuticals business were up 6.2% at €6,354 million. Over the nine months to end September, Pharmaceuticals net sales rose by 4.0% to €19,560 million.
Third-quarter net sales in Europe rose by 6.8%, driven by Eastern Europe (+39.6%) which since the start of April has included Zentiva. Sales in Western Europe rose by 1.8% over the period, despite ongoing competition from generics of Eloxatin® and increased competition from generics of Plavix®. Over the first nine months of 2009, net sales in Europe were up 3.4%.
The United States reported quarterly growth of 1.1% despite competition from generics of Eloxatin® in August. The main growth drivers during the period were again Lantus® (+21.3%) and Lovenox® (+8%). Over the first nine months of 2009, U.S. net sales were virtually unchanged (+0.3%), reflecting the impact of the end of commercialization of Copaxone® by sanofi-aventis effective April 1, 2008.
In the Other Countries region, third-quarter net sales rose by 11.1%, with Latin America, the Middle East and Asia-Pacific all posting double-digit growth. Net sales in China advanced by 38.8% to €149 million. In Japan, net sales rose by 4.2% to €400 million, compared with a 2008 third-quarter figure that benefited from sales of active ingredients of Aprovel® to our local partners. Japanese sales are being boosted by the ongoing success of Plavix®, and by good growth for Myslee® and Allegra®. Sales in Latin America are being driven by Brazil, thanks to healthy organic growth and the acquisition of Medley. Over the first nine months of 2009, net sales growth in the Other Countries region was 10.0%. Over the same period, net sales grew by 8.4% in Japan (to €1,352 million) and by 36.5% in China (to €408 million).
Third-quarter net sales in emerging markets were €1,888 million, an increase of 20.9% (or 6.7% on a constant structure basis and at constant exchange rates). Emerging markets net sales for the first nine months of the year rose by 16.4% (or 7.0% on a constant structure basis and at constant exchange rates) to €5,358 million, representing 24.4% of the Groupâs total net sales.
About sanofi-aventis
Sanofi-aventis, a leading global pharmaceutical company, discovers, develops and distributes therapeutic solutions to improve the lives of everyone. Sanofi-aventis is listed in Paris (EURONEXT: SAN) and in New York (NYSE: SNY).