Sanofi-Aventis purchases Symbion Consumer

Sanofi-Aventis has announced the completion of its purchase of Australian firm Symbian CP Holdings for a total sum of A$560 million (264 million pounds).

In 2007, Symbion Consumer generated sales in the region of A$190 million.

Sanofi-Aventis said sales from Symbion Consumer would be consolidated by Sanofi-Aventis from the start of September 2008.

“Symbion Consumer manufactures, markets and distributes nutraceuticals – vitamins and mineral supplements – and over the counter brands,” Sanofi-Aventis said.

Its brands include Bio-organics, Venovis, Golden Glow, Microgenics and Nature’s Own.

Earlier this week, Sanofi-Aventis announced the Japanese ministry of health, labour and welfare had granted marketing approval for the use of Taxoter injection in patients with prostate cancer.

A new drug application was filed for the compound in February 2007 and given priority review in May of that year for patients with progressed or relapsed prostate cancer following surgical or medical castration.

Approal was based on the results of the international phase III TAX327 clinical study in addition to a phase II clinical trial conducted in Japan.

Earlier this month, Sanofi-Aventis recognised the UK-based Fawdon manufacturing site for its environmentally-friendly credentials at its 2008 Climate Change Awards.