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Sanofi-aventis Announces Second Quarter 2009 Results
BRIDGEWATER, N.J., July 29 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- 
                                    Change                      Change
                         Change       at              Change      at
                          on a     constant            on a    constant
                 Q2     reported   exchange          reported  exchange
                2009     basis      rates    H1 2009   basis     rates
               -------  ---------  --------  -------  -------   -------
  Net           euro                           euro
   sales       7,438m     +11.2%      +6.5%  14,545m    +6.7%     +3.1%
  Adjusted
   net
   income
   excluding
   selected     euro                           euro
   items       2,268m     +29.4%     +17.2%   4,446m   +22.3%    +12.8%
  Adjusted
   EPS
   excluding
   selected     euro                           euro
   items        1.74      +29.9%     +17.2%    3.41    +23.1%    +13.4%


In order to facilitate an understanding of our operational performance, we comment on our adjusted income statement excluding selected items, a non-GAAP financial measure. The 2009 first-half consolidated income statement is provided in Appendix 5, as are details of adjustments and selected items. Consolidated net income for the first half of 2009 was euro 2,637 million, versus euro 2,335 million for the first half of 2008. Consolidated earnings per share for the first half of 2009 was euro 2.02, against euro 1.78 for the first half of 2008. 

  Good performance(1) in the second quarter of 2009

  --  Strong growth from Lantus  (up 26.0%), Lovenox  (up 13.3%) and
      Taxotere  (up 10.7%). Further dynamism in the worldwide presence of
      Plavix  (up 9.6%)


  --  Growth of 18.4% for the Vaccines business excluding H5N1 contracts(2)


  --  Net sales growth of 5.4% in the U.S., 4.6% in Europe and 20.1% in
      Emerging Markets


  --  Multaq : approved by the FDA on July 1, and launched in the United
      States on July 28

  2009 Results and Guidance


  --  2009 second-quarter growth of adjusted EPS excluding selected items of
      17.2% at constant exchange rates and 29.9% on a reported basis


  --  Strong cash flow from operating activities in the first half, at euro
      4,378 million


  --  Guidance raised: growth in adjusted EPS excluding selected items of
      around 10% at constant exchange rates, barring major adverse events


(1) Growth in net sales is expressed at constant exchange rates unless otherwise indicated; (2) $192.5 million in Q2 2008 vs $32.5 million in Q2 2009
 

  Transformation of sanofi-aventis
  --  Increasing innovation in R&D: launch of a new R&D approach; start of
      Phase III for BSI-201 in triple negative breast cancer; license and
      collaboration agreement with Exelixis
  --  Exploring external growth opportunities: significant boost to our
      Vaccines business in Emerging Markets with the acquisition(3) of
      Shantha Biotechnics in India; Generics business more than tripled in
      size with the integration of Zentiva, Medley and Kendrick

  --  Adapting our structures to meet the challenges of the future: Target
      of euro 2 billion of recurring cost savings by 2013

Commenting on the Group's 2009 second quarter results, sanofi-aventis Chief Executive Officer Christopher A. Viehbacher said:
 

"The group delivered very strong results in the second quarter, driven by solid growth of key pharmaceutical brands and vaccines, strong sales in Emerging Markets and recent acquisitions. Multaq has just been launched in the U.S. in July. The strong progression of our earnings has led us to raise our guidance for 2009 to EPS(4) growth of around 10%. Since the beginning of the year, we have launched a new R&D approach to increase innovation, we have strengthened our growth platforms through acquisitions, and we are moving forward with the transformation of our company. Those achievements constitute another step toward our vision of becoming a leading diversified global healthcare company, with a sustainable growth profile by 2013".
 

(3) Closing expected in Q3 2009 (4) Adjusted EPS excluding selected items, at constant exchange rates and barring major adverse events
 

2009 second-quarter and first-half net sales
 

Unless otherwise indicated, all sales growth figures in this press release are stated at constant exchange rates. 

In the second quarter of 2009, sanofi-aventis generated net sales of euro 7,438 million, an increase of 11.2% on a reported basis. Exchange rate movements had a favorable effect of 4.7 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), net sales rose by 6.5%. Excluding changes in structure and at constant exchange rates, second-quarter net sales growth was 3.7%. 

In the first half of 2009, sanofi-aventis posted net sales of euro 14,545 million, an increase of 6.7%. Exchange rate movements, primarily the appreciation of the U.S. dollar against the euro, had a favorable effect of 3.6 points. At constant exchange rates, and after taking account of changes in structure (in particular the consolidation of Zentiva 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 3.1%. Excluding changes in structure and at constant exchange rates, first-half net sales growth was 3.6%.
 

Pharmaceuticals
 

Second-quarter net sales for the Pharmaceuticals business were up 7.3% at euro 6,726 million. First-half net sales were up 3.0% at euro 13,206 million.
 

  Flagship products


                      2009   Change at    H1     Change at
                       Q2    constant    2009    constant
                       net    exchange    net    exchange
   Millions of euros  sales    rates     sales     rates
   ----------------- ------- ---------- ------- ----------


  Lantus((R))          792     +26.0%     1,539     +26.6%
  ------------         ---     -----      -----      -----
  Lovenox((R))         780     +13.3%     1,542      +6.9%
  -------------        ---     -----      -----      ----
  Plavix((R))          704      +4.7%     1,389      +4.2%
  ------------         ---      ----      -----      ----
  Taxotere((R))        584     +10.7%     1,118      +9.5%
  --------------       ---     -----      -----      ----
  Eloxatin((R))        353      -4.3%       697      -5.7%
  --------------       ---      ----        ---      ----
  Aprovel((R))         306      -0.6%       620      +5.0%
  -------------        ---      ----        ---      ----
  Apidra((R))           35     +54.5%        66     +48.8%
  ------------          --     -----         --     -----


Net sales of Lantus , the world's leading insulin brand, rose by 26% in the second quarter (to euro 792 million), in line with the first-quarter growth trend and driven largely by the SoloSTAR injection pen. The product reported strong growth across all three regions: 28.7% in the United States (to euro 495 million), 14.6% in Europe (to euro 195 million) and 42.9% in the Other Countries region (to euro 102 million). First-half net sales of Lantus were up 26.6% at euro 1,539 million.
 

In June 2009, sanofi-aventis announced that it had acquired the Diabel manufacturing site in Frankfurt from Pfizer for euro 30 million. This site is one of the world's largest and most modern insulin production facilities, and will increase our insulin production capability.
 

On June 26, 2009, four analyses of patient registries based on retrospective follow-up of people with diabetes were published online by Diabetologia. These analyses clearly show that no definitive conclusions can be drawn regarding a possible causal relationship between Lantus and an increase in the risk of cancer, as the authors of the study point out. Clinical studies, which represent the gold standard of evidence, do not indicate an association between insulin glargine and cancer.
 

Patient safety being the primary concern of sanofi-aventis, the company commissioned a board of international specialists in endocrinology, oncology and epidemiology to assess these analyses of registries. On July 15, this board issued an expert statement which concluded that the four studies had significant methodological limitations and shortcomings, and provided inconsistent and inconclusive results. This official statement from fourteen international experts follows recent comments on this issue made by healthcare authorities around the world, such as the EMEA and the FDA, and by patient associations and scientific bodies like the ADA, the AACE and the IDF, cautioning against any misinterpretation of or over-reaction to these data.
 

On July 6, 2009 sanofi-aventis announced the results of a 5-year study of Lantus versus NPH insulin on progression of retinopathy in patients with type 2 diabetes. These results demonstrated that the two treatments showed similar effects on the progression of retinopathy and provided similar overall safety. There was no observable difference in terms of serious adverse events, including cancer.
 

On July 23 2009, The CHMP has re-confirmed their initial assessment of Lantus , based on an in-depth review of existing evidence and of the recent publications of registry analyses in Diabetologia. All four registry analyses were found to have significant methodological limitations and to provide inconsistent and inconclusive results regarding a potential link between Lantus use and an increased risk of cancer. The CHMP concluded that the available data does not provide a cause for concern and that changes to the prescribing advice for Lantus are therefore not necessary.
 

Sanofi-aventis will implement a set of actions to develop further research in this area in line with the request of CHMP. These actions take into account the recommendations recently made by an independent team of interdisciplinary medical experts on this subject.
 

Since publication of the Diabetologia registry analyses, there have been no significative changes in prescription trends of Lantus thus far.
 

Second-quarter net sales of the rapid-acting insulin analog Apidra were up 54.5% at euro 35 million, lifted by the launch of Apidra SoloSTAR in the United States. First-half net sales of Apidra were up 48.8% at euro 66 million.
 

Lovenox , the leading low molecular weight heparin on the market, returned to robust growth in the second quarter of 2009 with net sales up 13.3% at euro 780 million thanks to good performances in Europe (up 22.4% at euro 226 million) and in the Other Countries region (up 31.8% at euro 85 million). First-half net sales of the product were up 6.9% at euro 1,542 million.
 

No biosimilar of Lovenox has been approved in the United States to date.
 

Taxotere achieved second-quarter growth of 10.7% to euro 584 million, driven by its use in adjuvant breast cancer treatment and in prostate cancer. Growth was good across all three geographic regions, at 10.7% in Europe (to euro 239 million), 9.6% in the United States (to euro 228 million) and 12.7% in the Other Countries region (to euro 117 million). In Japan, the product continued its advance with net sales up 13.4% at euro 34 million, boosted in particular by the prostate cancer indication approved in the second half of 2008.
 

In June 2009, the Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP) of the EMEA issued a positive opinion on Roche's Avastin in combination with Taxotere as a first line treatment for women with metastatic breast cancer, based on the results of the AVADO study. First-half net sales of Taxotere were up 9.5% at euro 1,118 million.
 

Eloxatin , the leading cytotoxic agent in the colorectal cancer market as an adjuvant and as a first-line treatment in the metastatic phase, achieved second-quarter growth of 10.0% in the United States to euro 282 million. Total net sales of the product reflect ongoing competition from generics in Europe, and were down 4.3% at euro 353 million. First-half net sales of Eloxatin were down 5.7% at euro 697 million. In June 2009, the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey ruled against sanofi-aventis by granting summary judgment motions brought by certain generics companies in the U.S. Eloxatin patent litigation. Sanofi-aventis has appealed this decision, and the Appellate Court issued an order temporarily staying the district court's judgment. As of the date of this report, the FDA has not granted final approval to any of the generic manufacturers.
 

On July 1, 2009, the FDA approved Multaq , the first anti-arrhythmic to be approved in the United States with a clinical benefit in reducing cardiovascular hospitalization in patients with atrial fibrillation or atrial flutter. Multaq was launched in the United States on July 28. The submission for approval of Multaq in the European Union is currently being reviewed, with approval expected during the second half of 2009.
 

Worldwide presence of Plavix /Iscover
 

Second-quarter sales of Plavix were up 9.6%, driven by a good performance in the United States (where net sales are consolidated by Bristol Myers Squibb) and in the Other Countries region. In Europe, which represents less than 25% of sales, Plavix saw a slight decline (of 3.2%) due to competition from clopidogrel besylate in the monotherapy segment in Germany, where Plavix /Iscover had a market share of around 66% in June (IMS Pharmatrend, week ended June 26, 2009). Plavix continued its success in Japan, with net sales rising by 61.8% to euro 85 million. First-half sales of Plavix were up 9.1% at euro 3,482 million, with sales in Japan up 73% at euro 155 million.
 

On May 29, 2009, the CHMP announced that positive opinions had been adopted recommending approval of applications for marketing authorization of clopidogrel filed through the centralized procedure in the European Union. Some of these applications are for formulations of clopidogrel with a different salt (e.g. besylate) from that used in Plavix (clopidogrel hydrogen sulphate). When applications for generics are filed under the EMEA centralized procedure, the scientific opinion issued by the CHMP is followed by a decision-making process at European Commission level. This process generally lasts two-and-a-half to three months. On completion of the centralized procedure, the Commission issues a decision that is binding in all European Union countries. In some countries, additional time is required for pricing and reimbursement. Sanofi-aventis intends to defend its legitimate intellectual and industrial property rights insofar as they apply to any product containing clopidogrel.
 

Since July in the United Kingdom, a clopidogrel hydrochloride is being marketed locally in an indication limited to monotherapy.
 

                            Change at          Change at
                             constant           constant
                       Q2    exchange     H1    exchange
   Millions of euros  2009    rates      2009    rates
   ----------------- ------- ---------- ------- ----------
  Europe               443    -3.2%      889     -1.5%
  ------             ------- ---------- ------- ----------
  United States      1,050    +15.5%     2,037    +14.6%
  -------------     -------- ---------- ------- ----------
  Other Countries      290    +16.2%       556    +12.2%
  -------------     -------- ---------- ------- ----------
  TOTAL              1,783     +9.6%     3,482     +9.1%
  -------------     -------- ---------- ------- ----------


  Worldwide presence of Aprovel /Avapro /Karvea

In an environment that remains highly competitive, especially in the United States, sales of Aprovel held steady relative to the first quarter but were slightly down (by 2.2%) relative to the second quarter of 2008, when the figures were boosted by sales of active ingredient to our Japanese partners. First-half sales of the product rose by 1.9%. In the first half of 2009, irbesartan generics began to be marketed in the monotherapy segment in Spain and Portugal. In these two countries, as well as in Finland, Norway and some Eastern European countries, irbesartan is not protected by an active ingredient patent. In the main European countries, Aprovel is protected by an active ingredient patent through August 2012. Net sales of Aprovel as a monotherapy in European countries with no active ingredient patent were approximately euro 50 million in 2008.
 

                            Change at          Change at
                             constant           constant
                       Q2    exchange     H1    exchange
   Millions of euros  2009    rates      2009    rates
   ----------------- ------- ---------- ------- ----------
  Europe               250     -0.4%       498     +1.8%
  ------             ------- ---------- ------- ----------

  United States        135     -1.7%       267     -1.3%
  -------------     -------- ---------- ------- ----------

  Other Countries      123     -6.3%       250     +5.1%
  -------------     -------- ---------- ------- ----------

  TOTAL                508     -2.2%     1,015     +1.9%
  -------------     -------- ---------- ------- ----------


  Other Pharmaceutical Products

In the United States, second-quarter net sales of the sleep aid Ambien CR were up 11.5% at euro 128 million. First-half net sales of the product were up 1.1% at euro 257 million. In Japan, net sales of Myslee , the leading hypnotic on the market, rose by 13.1% in the second quarter to euro 49 million, while first-half net sales were 20.3% higher at euro 93 million.
 

Despite another good performance in Japan (12.2% growth), Allegra posted a slight drop (of 0.6%) in second-quarter net sales to euro 191 million. First-half net sales held steady at euro 438 million.
 

First-quarter net sales of Copaxone were up 16.5% at euro 118 million. The end of commercialization of this product by sanofi-aventis in North America - effective April 1, 2008 - led to a 44% decline in net sales over the first half.
 

OTC
 

Second-quarter net sales for the OTC business were 23.1% higher at euro 311 million (4.4% higher on a constant structure basis and at constant exchange rates), reflecting good organic growth and the consolidation of Symbion and of Zentiva's OTC activities. The six flagship brands (Doliprane , Essentiale , Maalox , No-Spa , Enterogermina , Lactacyd ) achieved robust growth of 12.9% and represented 38% of OTC net sales. Russia and Mexico reported good performances for the quarter. First-half net sales for the OTC business were up 16.2% at euro 640 million (3.0% growth on a constant structure basis and at constant exchange rates).
 

Generics
 

The Generics business was boosted in the second quarter, with the consolidation of Zentiva and Kendrick (both from April 1) and Medley (from May 1) leading to net sales more than tripling relative to the comparable period of 2008 (to euro 284 million). On a constant structure basis and at constant exchange rates, growth was 6.4%. Rapid progress is being made on combining the Group's generics activities with those of Zentiva, while preserving the autonomy and flexibility to which Zentiva owes its success. First-half net sales for the Generics business were up 129.7% at euro 377 million (8.8% growth on a constant structure basis and at constant exchange rates).
 

Human Vaccines
 

Second-quarter consolidated net sales for the Human Vaccines business were down 0.8% at euro 712 million. The figure for the quarter includes $32.5 million of H5N1 vaccine sales in the United States, against $192.5 million in the second quarter of 2008. Excluding H5N1 vaccine sales, second-quarter sales were up 18.4%. In the United States, second-quarter net sales were down by 14.5% to euro 402 million, but up 16.2% excluding H5N1 sales.
 

The second-quarter performance was boosted by strong growth in sales of pediatric combination vaccines. Net sales of Pentacel (the first 5-in-1 pediatric combination vaccine licensed in the United States in June 2008 against diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio and Haemophilus influenzae type b) reached euro 83 million for the quarter.
 

Net sales of seasonal influenza vaccines rose by 3.3% to euro 32 million.
 

In May 2009, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration licensed the new sanofi pasteur influenza vaccine manufacturing facility in Swiftwater where production of influenza vaccines has already begun. This facility, representing an investment of $150 million, will produce 100 million doses per year when operating at full capacity. It will take the Group's total production capacity in the United States to 150 million doses of trivalent seasonal influenza vaccine per year.
 

Sanofi Pasteur received several orders to produce a vaccine against the new A(H1N1) influenza strain, including two contracts from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services as well as a contract from the French government. Sanofi Pasteur is in discussion with several other governments and announced last June its intent to donate 100 million doses of influenza vaccine to the World Health Organization to help developing countries face the influenza pandemic.
 

Net sales of Menactra (quadrivalent meningococcal meningitis vaccine) were up 2.5% at euro 110 million. Filing of Menactra Infant/Toddler 9 to 12 months in the United States is scheduled for the second half of 2009.
 

Also in May, sanofi-aventis announced the construction of a new vaccine production facility in France. This facility will have the capacity to produce 100 million doses of the novel vaccine against dengue fever, currently under development, and is expected to be operational in 2013.
 

First-half consolidated net sales for the Vaccines business were up 3.7% at euro 1,339 million. Excluding H5N1 sales, net sales rose by 13.7%.
 

On July 27th, Sanofi Pasteur announced the signature of a strategic agreement for the acquisition of Merieux Alliance's subsidiary ShanH, which owns a majority stake in the Indian vaccine company Shantha Biotechnics.
 

                              Change at            Change at
                              constant             constant
                      Q2 2009 exchange   H1 2009   exchange
  Millions of euros net sales  rates    net sales   rates
  ----------------- --------- --------  ---------- --------

  Polio/
   Pertussis/
   Hib Vaccines
   (including
   Pentacel 
   and
   Pentaxim )         259      +28.9%      495        +31.3%
  ---------------   -----     -------     ----     --------
  Influenza
   Vaccines*
   (including
   Vaxigrip 
   and
   Fluzone )           57      -65.8%**    120       -41.0%**
  ---------------   -----     -------     ----     --------
  Meningitis/
   Pneumonia
   Vaccines
   (including
   Menactra )         143       +15.6%     259         +2.7%
  ---------------   -----     -------     ----     --------
  Adult
   Booster
   Vaccines
   (including
   Adacel  )          106        -4.1%     202         -8.5%
  ---------------   -----     -------     ----     --------
  Travel and
   Other
   Endemic
   Vaccines            88        +9.0%     165         +2.5%
  ---------------   -----     -------     ----     --------
  Other
   Vaccines            59       +76.7%      98        +33.8%
  ---------------   -----     -------     ----     --------
  TOTAL               712        -0.8%   1,339         +3.7%
  ---------------   -----     -------     ----     --------


  * Seasonal and pandemic influenza vaccines

**+3.3% for the quarter and +27.4% for the first half excluding H5N1 vaccines
 

Second-quarter sales at Sanofi Pasteur MSD (not consolidated by sanofi-aventis), the joint venture with Merck & Co in Europe, were down 14.9% on a reported basis at euro 233 million. Sales of Gardasil , for the prevention of papillomavirus infections (a major cause of cervical cancer), were down 27.4% at euro 108 million. This decrease was due to extensive catch-up campaigns in the prior year. Excluding Gardasil , sales of the rest of the portfolio were stable. First-half sales at Sanofi Pasteur MSD were down 11.8% on a reported basis at euro 487 million.
 

  Net sales by geographic region
                               Change at            Change at
                               constant             constant
                      Q2 2009  exchange    H1 2009   exchange
  Millions of euros net sales   rates     net sales   rates
  ----------------- ---------  --------   ---------- --------
  Europe               3,079      +4.6%      6,027     +1.8%
  ---------           ------    ------       -----     ----
   of which
    Eastern
    Europe               439     +37.5%        799    +27.0%
  ---------           ------    ------       -----     ----
  United States        2,438      +5.4%       4,733    -0.1%
  -------------       ------    ------       -----     ----
  Other Countries      1,921     +11.2%       3,785    +9.4%
  ---------------      -----     -----        -----    ----
    of which
     Japan               442      +6.6%         952   +10.2%
  ----------          ------     -----        -----    ----
    of which Asia-
     Pacific             546     +18.2%       1,052   +15.5%
  ----------------    ------     -----        -----    ----
    of which
     Latin America       448      +5.7%         837    +5.7%
  ----------------    ------     -----        -----     ---
    of which
     Africa              189      +4.5%         378    +4.6%
  ---------------     ------     -----        -----     ---
    of which
     Middle East         166      +25.5%        312    +11.1%
  ---------------      -----      -----        ----     ---
  TOTAL                7,438       +6.5%     14,545     +3.1%
  -----                -----        ---      ------      ---


Second-quarter growth in Europe was 4.6%, driven by a 37.5% rise in Eastern Europe, which since beginning of April has included Zentiva (net sales: euro 163 million). Over the first half, net sales in Europe rose by 1.8%, with growth affected mainly by ongoing competition from generics of Eloxatin . 

The United States recorded second-quarter growth of 5.4%, driven by fine performances from Lantus (up 28.7%), Taxotere (up 9.6%) and Eloxatin (up 10.0%). Excluding H5N1 contracts, growth was 11.3%. Over the first half as a whole, net sales were flat due to the end of commercialization of Copaxone by sanofi-aventis effective April 1, 2008.
 

In the Other Countries region, second-quarter net sales rose by 11.2%, reflecting an excellent performance in Vaccines (up 27.2% at euro 209 million) and dynamic growth in Asia-Pacific (up 18.2%) and the Middle East (up 25.5%). Second-quarter net sales in China were up 40.6% at euro 134 million. Net sales in Japan rose by 6.6% to euro 442 million, boosted by the continuing success of Plavix , Myslee and Allegra , despite the sales growth comparison being subdued by the fact that the 2008 second-quarter comparative included sales of the active ingredient of Aprovel to our local partners. Latin America, where net sales rose by 5.7%, was boosted by the acquisition of Medley. However, our performance in Brazil and Mexico was adversely affected by the economic situation, which led to inventory rundowns of some products in distribution channels. First-half net sales in the Other Countries region were up 9.4%, with Japan and China reporting growth of 10.2% (to euro 952 million) and 35.1% (to euro 259 million) respectively.
 

Second-quarter net sales in emerging markets(5) were euro 1,855 million, an increase of 20.1% (or 6.3% on a constant structure basis and at constant exchange rates). First-half emerging-market net sales were 14.1% higher at euro 3,470 million.
 

(5) World excluding North America, Western Europe (France, Germany, United Kingdom, Italy, Spain, Greece, Cyprus, Malta, Belgium, Portugal, Netherlands, Austria, Switzerland, Ireland, Finland, Norway, Iceland, Denmark), Japan, Australia and New Zealand.
 

  Very strong results due to sales growth and tight cost control

  2009 second-quarter financial results

  Adjusted income statement excluding selected items

Sanofi-aventis generated second-quarter net sales of euro 7,438 million, up 11.2% on a reported basis. "Other revenues" rose by 25.5%, reflecting a good performance by Plavix in the United States and the appreciation of the U.S. dollar.
 

Gross profit came to euro 5,964 million, an increase of 13.6%, or of 7.0% at constant exchange rates. The ratio of cost of sales to net sales improved by 1.2 points to 24.6%, mainly due to the effect of exchange rates.
 

Research and development expenses rose by 1.6% to euro 1,108 million. At constant exchange rates, they were down by 2.5%, reflecting selectivity in R&D projects and cost savings.
 

Selling and general expenses increased by 5.9%, or 1.5% at constant exchange rates, to euro 1,895 million. The ratio of selling and general expenses to net sales fell by 1.2 points to 25.5%, reflecting the ongoing program of adaptation to market conditions.
 

Other current operating income, net of expenses totaled euro 132 million, compared with euro 74 million for the second quarter of 2008. The year-on-year change in this line reflects gains on currency hedging and an increase in the royalty collected by sanofi-aventis on sales of Copaxone in North America.
 

Operating income - current was up 26.8% at euro 3,046 million. At constant exchange rates, growth was 16.0%. The ratio of operating income - current to net sales improved by 5.1 points to 41.0%.
 

Net financial expenses were virtually unchanged at euro 70 million. Financial expenses rose slightly, reflecting the change in net debt arising from payment of the Zentiva purchase consideration at the end of the first quarter and from the dividend payout.
 

The effective tax rate was 0.6 of a point lower at 29%, in line with the 2008 full-year rate.
 

The share of profits from associates was up 22.6% at euro 266 million, with the share of after-tax profits from territories managed by BMS under the Plavix and Avapro alliance 42.7% higher at euro 207 million due to a good performance by Plavix in the United States and a favorable dollar effect. The contribution from Merial rose by 21.6%, and the contribution from Sanofi Pasteur MSD also grew.
 

Minority interests were 5.7% higher at euro 111 million. The share of pre-tax profits paid to BMS from territories managed by sanofi-aventis was euro 104 million (versus euro 101 million for the second quarter of 2008).
 

Adjusted net income excluding selected items was euro 2,268 million, an increase of 29.4%, or of 17.2% at constant exchange rates. The ratio of adjusted net income excluding selected items to net sales improved by 4.3 points to 30.5%.
 

Adjusted earnings per share (EPS) excluding selected items was euro 1.74, an increase of 29.9% (or 17.2% at constant exchange rates) on the 2008 second-quarter figure of euro 1.34.
 

  2009 first-half financial results

  Adjusted income statement excluding selected items

Sanofi-aventis generated 2009 first-half net sales of euro 14,545 million, a rise of 6.7% on a reported basis. "Other revenues" were up 23.3%, boosted by a good performance from Plavix in the United States and the appreciation of the U.S. dollar.
 

Gross profit was euro 11,648 million, up 10.1% (or up 4.7% at constant exchange rates). The ratio of cost of sales to net sales improved by 1.8 points to 24.7%, reflecting favorable currency effects and the impact of the end of commercialization of Copaxone by sanofi-aventis in North America.
 

Research and development expenses rose by 3.7% to euro 2,260 million, and were virtually unchanged (up 0.2%) at constant exchange rates. This figure includes euro 54 million of provisions relating to the discontinuation of various projects, following the portfolio review completed at the end of the first quarter.
 

Selling and general expenses rose by 1.5% to euro 3,627 million, but fell by 2.0% at constant exchange rates. The ratio of selling and general expenses to net sales was 24.9% versus 26.2% for the first half of 2008, thanks to the ongoing program of adaptation to market conditions.
 

Other current operating income, net of expenses totaled euro 280 million, against euro 178 million in the first half of 2008, primarily as a result of the royalty equal to 25% of sales of Copaxone in North America paid by Teva to sanofi-aventis with effect from the second quarter of 2008.
 

Operating income - current advanced by 20.7% to euro 5,944 million. At constant exchange rates, growth was 12.2%. The ratio of operating income - current to net sales improved by 4.8 points to 40.9%.
 

The effective tax rate was 29%, in line with the full-year rate for 2008.
 

The share of profits from associates rose by 19.5% to euro 539 million, with the share of after-tax profits from territories managed by BMS under the Plavix and Avapro alliance up 35.4% at euro 394 million, partly as a result of the appreciation of the U.S. dollar. The first-half contribution from Merial rose by 15% relative to 2008.
 

Minority interests were 5.5% higher at euro 232 million. The share of pre-tax profits paid to BMS from territories managed by sanofi-aventis was euro 219 million (versus euro 212 million for the first half of 2008).
 

Adjusted net income excluding selected items was euro 4,446 million, an increase of 22.3%, or of 12.8% at constant exchange rates. The ratio of adjusted net income excluding selected items to net sales improved by 3.9 points to 30.6%.
 

Adjusted earnings per share (EPS) excluding selected items was euro 3.41, an increase of 23.1% (or 13.4% at constant exchange rates) on the 2008 first-half figure of euro 2.77.
 

Selected items
 

In the second quarter of 2009, selected items comprised provisions for restructuring (net of tax) associated with the Group's adaptation program, amounting to euro 590 million. Selected items in the second quarter of 2008 represented a net after-tax expense of euro 148 million.
 

In the first half of 2009, selected items represented a net after-tax expense of euro 608 million compared with a net after-tax expense of euro 168 million for the first half of 2008, and comprised:
 

  --  euro 907 million of restructuring costs arising from the Group's
      adaptation program;
  --  euro 20 million of impairment losses arising from the decision to
      discontinue development of TroVax ;

  --  the euro 319 million tax effect arising on the selected items
      described above.

Adjustments in the consolidated financial statements to reflect the application of purchase accounting to acquisitions, primarily that of Aventis
 

The material effects of the application of purchase accounting to acquisitions, primarily that of Aventis, on the consolidated income statement were as follows:
 

  --  A charge of euro 19 million in the second quarter arising from the
      workdown of inventories of Zentiva and other companies acquired during
      the period remeasured at fair value.
  --  An amortization charge of euro 1,708 million against intangible
      assets, of which euro 864 million was booked in the second quarter.
  --  An impairment loss of euro 8 million charged against the Di-Antalvic
      asset in the second quarter.
  --  Deferred taxes of euro 577 million, of which euro 293 million was
      booked in the second quarter. These deferred taxes were generated by
      the amortization charged against intangible assets, the workdown of
      inventories of acquired companies, and the impairment loss charged
      against the Di-Antalvic asset.

  --  In "Share of profits/losses of associates", a reversal of euro 43
      million, of which euro 21 million was booked in the second quarter,
      relating to the amortization of intangible assets (net of tax).


  These adjustments have no cash impact for the Group

  Strong cash flow from operating activities in the first half of 2009

Operating cash flow before changes in working capital totaled euro 5,365 million for the first half of 2009, compared with euro 3,932 million for the comparable period of 2008.
 

Working capital needs increased by euro 987 million during the first half, against an increase of euro 690 million for the comparable period of 2008.
 

Net cash generated by operating activities, after capital expenditure (euro 824 million of which intangible rights of euro 108 million, primarily the buyout of product rights in the United States), totaled euro 3,554 million, enabling sanofi-aventis to finance the euro 2,872 million dividend payout (versus euro 2,702 million in the first half of 2008) and to partially fund the acquisitions made during the period. These acquisitions comprised the purchase of equity interests (euro 2,582 million, inclusive of acquired debt), primarily in Zentiva, Medley, Kendrick and BiPar. Consequently, net debt stood at euro 3,705 million at June 30, 2009, compared with euro 1,780 million at December 31, 2008, an increase of euro 1,925 million.
 

The sanofi-aventis transformation program
 

Since the start of the year, we have been engaged in a wide-ranging transformation program designed to meet the challenges facing the pharmaceutical industry, make us a global, diversified healthcare leader, and deliver sustainable growth. Our transformation program has made particularly good progress in the year to date, across each of the three key themes:
 

  --  Increasing innovation in R&D - Our new R&D approach aims to foster
      greater creativity and innovation, while remaining focused on patient
      needs. Streamlined organizational structures will make our R&D more
      flexible and entrepreneurial. The model will also promote a new
      culture open to external collaboration. In line with this approach, a
      number of alliances were agreed during the period, while existing
      alliances bore fruit. Excellent Phase II results from the
      recently-acquired product BSI-201 in triple negative breast cancer
      were presented to the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO),
      and the product has since moved into Phase III. A license agreement
      has been signed with Exelixis, along with an exclusive research
      collaboration to discover PI3K inhibitors in the treatment of
      malignant tumors. We have also entered into a collaboration agreement
      with Kyowa Kirin.
  --  Exploring external growth opportunities - In July, our Vaccines
      business in emerging markets received a significant boost with the
      acquisition of Shanta Biotechnics in India. This acquisition follows
      on from those of Zentiva, Kendrick, Medley and BiPar Sciences, Inc.
      earlier in the year.

  --  Adapting our structures to meet the challenges of the future -
      Implementation of this program is intended to improve the efficiency
      of our operations, with a target of euro 2 billion of recurring cost
      savings(6) in 2013 relative to 2008. These savings will be achieved
      across all Group functions.


Our aim is therefore to achieve at least the same level of sales in 2013 vs. 2008 before any significant external growth opportunities. Key growth drivers (Vaccines, Diabetes products, Emerging markets, OTC / OTX, Japan, New launches) aim at largely mitigating the impact on sales of upcoming patent expiries and also providing more sustainable growth with a reduced risk profile as of 2013.
 

Our target efficiency savings of 2 billion euros and the contribution of existing key growth drivers aim at offsetting the impact of genericization and achieving a comparable net income level in 2013 vs. 2008. Furthermore, our strong financial position should provide significant scope for value creation through external growth opportunities targeting a return above cost of capital.
 

(6) Before the impact of inflation and any significant change to the activities of the Group, at constant exchange rates
 

Research and Development
 

During the second quarter of 2009, initiatives continued to transform the Group's Research and Development operations, with a view to continuing to refocus on innovation, gaining flexibility, and reorienting some of its existing resources to external collaborations.
 

On April 29, 2009, the results of the complete, in-depth review of the R&D portfolio conducted as part of the sanofi-aventis transformation program were announced. The main changes in the portfolio since that date are:
 

  --  4 new candidates entered Phase I:
      --  SAR548304 (biliary acid reabsorption inhibitor), developed for
          hypercholesterolemia, and SAR153192, an anti-DLL4 monoclonal
          antibody developed for cancer
      --  XL147 (orally-administered PI3K inhibitor) and XL765
          (orally-administered double PI3K and target mTOR inhibitor),
          developed for cancer: sanofi-aventis has obtained an exclusive
          world license for both of these products, which were developed by
          the biotechnology company Exelixis
  --  SAR 407899, a rho-kinase inhibitor, entered Phase II in erectile
      dysfunction.
  --  BSI-201, a PARP inhibitor, developed by BiPar Sciences (recently
      acquired by sanofi-aventis) entered Phase III in July. This pivotal
      study will evaluate the product in association with chemotherapy in
      women with metastatic triple negative breast cancer (mTNBC), i.e. with
      a tumor that expresses neither the estrogen receptor nor the
      progesterone receptor and does not over-express the HER2 receptor.
  --  Enrolment to the Phase III study, evaluating NV1FGF in critical
      ischemia of the lower legs, is complete.
  --  The Phase III study evaluating xaliproden in the prevention of severe
      peripheral sensory neuropathy induced by oxaliplatin in patients with
      metastatic colorectal cancer did not attain its primary end point. It
      was therefore decided to discontinue development of this product. It
      has also been decided not to proceed with the development of AVE1625,
      a CB1 inhibitor, in schizophrenia, following a recent interim analysis
      of the Phase II CONNECT study.

  --  Filings for approval: The submission for marketing approval in
      Thailand and Australia of Imojev  (single-dose vaccine against
      Japanese encephalitis), was filed in July. This innovative vaccine is
      intended to prevent this disease in children and adults in endemic
      Asian countries. Submission for marketing approval in the United
      States of Menactra  Toddler (for children aged 9-12 months) is
      scheduled for the second half of 2009. In the fourth quarter of 2009,
      sanofi-aventis expects to file an application for an extension to the
      indication for Plavix  in atrial fibrillation, based on the results of
      the  ACTIVE-A study.


In addition, the results of various studies are due to be presented shortly at medical congresses:
 

  --  ESC (European Society of Cardiology) - Barcelona, August 29 through
      September 2
      --  Results of the CURRENT/OASIS-7 study, evaluating a new therapeutic
          regimen involving high doses of Plavix  versus the conventional
          regimen for patients with acute coronary syndrome, will be
          presented at a plenary session on August 30.
      --  Results of the ACTIVE-I study evaluating irbesartan in patients
          with atrial fibrillation will be presented on September 1.

      --  Results from the SEPIA-ACS1 TIMI 42 phase II trial, evaluating the
          efficacy and tolerance of otamixaban (an intravenous selective
          anti Xa factor) in patients with acute coronary syndrome (without
          ST segment elevation) will also be presented at a plenary session
          on August 30.

  --  ECTRIMS (European Committee for Treatment and Research in Multiple
      Sclerosis) - Dusseldorf, September 9 through September 12

      --  Results for orally-administered teriflunomide in Phase II, PDY6045
          (as an adjunct to interferons), and PDY6046 (as an adjunct to
          Copaxone ) in multiple sclerosis patients will be presented to
          this congress.


  2009 Guidance

Following a good first-half performance, sanofi-aventis has raised its 2009 full-year guidance. We now expect growth in adjusted EPS excluding selected items for the year to be around 10%, calculated at constant exchange rates, barring major adverse events.
 

In light of the first-time application of IFRS 8 (Operating Segments), sanofi-aventis has reviewed its segment structure and financial indicators, and now presents disclosures on the following segments in the notes to the financial statements: Pharmaceuticals, Vaccines, and Other Activities. This information will be available in the 2009 Half-Year Financial Report. From 2010, financial communications issued by sanofi-aventis will comment on the new indicator disclosed for segment reporting purposes ("Economic net income - Pharmaceuticals, Vaccines and Other").
 

Use of this indicator will not give rise to any material difference as compared with the performance measure currently used by sanofi-aventis. Growth in 2009 net income measured using this new indicator will therefore be close to growth in "Adjusted net income excluding selected items".
 

About sanofi-aventis
 

Sanofi-aventis U.S. is an affiliate of sanofi-aventis, a leading global pharmaceutical company that discovers, develops and distributes therapeutic solutions to help improve the lives of patients. Sanofi-aventis is listed in Paris (EURONEXT: SAN) and in New York (NYSE:SNY) . For more information, www.sanofi-aventis.us or www.sanofi-aventis.com
 

Forward-Looking Statements
 

This press release contains forward-looking statements as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, as amended. Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical facts. These statements include product development, product potential projections and estimates and their underlying assumptions, statements regarding plans, objectives, intentions and expectations with respect to future events, operations, products and services, and statements regarding future performance. Forward-looking statements are generally identified by the words "expects," "anticipates," "believes," "intends," "estimates," "plans" and similar expressions. Although sanofi-aventis' management believes that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are reasonable, investors are cautioned that forward-looking information and statements are subject to various risks and uncertainties, many of which are difficult to predict and generally beyond the control of sanofi-aventis, that could cause actual results and developments to differ materially from those expressed in, or implied or projected by, the forward-looking information and statements. These risks and uncertainties include among other things, the uncertainties inherent in research and development, future clinical data and analysis, including post marketing, decisions by regulatory authorities, such as the FDA or the EMEA, regarding whether and when to approve any drug, device or biological application that may be filed for any such product candidates as well as their decisions regarding labeling and other matters that could affect the availability or commercial potential of such products candidates, the absence of guarantee that the products candidates if approved will be commercially successful, the future approval and commercial success of therapeutic alternatives, the Group's ability to benefit from external growth opportunities as well as those discussed or identified in the public filings with the SEC and the AMF made by sanofi-aventis, including those listed under "Risk Factors" and "Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements" in sanofi-aventis' annual report on Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2008. Other than as required by applicable law, sanofi-aventis does not undertake any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information or statements.
 

U.S. Contact: Jack Cox, 908-981-5280, jack.cox@sanofi-aventis.com 
 

Source: sanofi-aventis

CONTACT: Jack Cox of sanofi-aventis, +1-908-981-5280,
jack.cox@sanofi-aventis.com 
 

Web Site: http://www.sanofi-aventis.us/
http://www.sanofi-aventis.com/