Sanofi-Aventis

Sanofi-Aventis is a multinational pharmaceutical company headquartered in Paris, France. It is one of the world's largest pharmaceutical companies by prescription sales and a leader in the biotechnology and vaccine industries.

History

Sanofi-Aventis was formed in 2004 by the merger of Aventis and Sanofi-Synthélabo, which were each the product of several previous mergers. It changed its name to Sanofi in May 2011. The company is a component of the Euro Stoxx 50 stock market index.

Operations

Sanofi engages in the research and development, manufacturing and marketing of pharmaceutical drugs principally in the prescription market, but the firm also develops over-the-counter medication. The company covers 7 major therapeutic areas: cardiovascular, central nervous system, diabetes, internal medicine, oncology, thrombosis and vaccines (it is the world's largest producer of the latter through its subsidiary Sanofi Pasteur).

Products

Some of the notable products of Sanofi-Aventis include Lantus (Insulin glargine), Plavix (Clopidogrel), Aprovel/Avapro (Irbesartan), and Taxotere (Docetaxel).

Research and Development

Sanofi's R&D concentrates on developing a diversified and balanced portfolio of new and innovative therapeutics. The company's research areas include cardiovascular disease, thrombosis, oncology, diabetes, central nervous system, and vaccines.

Controversies

Sanofi-Aventis has been involved in several controversies, including the withholding of negative study results for Ketek (telithromycin), and allegations of false advertising for Plavix.

See Also

• Pharmaceutical industry in France
• List of pharmaceutical companies
• Biotechnology
• Vaccine