Sanofi reports strong financial results for 2012

Sanofi has announced strong financial results for 2012 despite patent expirations taking place during the 12-month period.

The multi-national pharmaceuticals company reported a 0.5 percent rise in total sales last year, while its growth platforms also advanced by 9.9 percent to account for 70.4 percent of total sales during the fourth quarter.

In addition, the organisation's vaccines arm delivered 5.7 percent sales growth to 3.89 billion euros (£3.36 billion), with 20.5 percent growth recorded in the last three months of 2012.

Solid figures were also recorded in emerging markets, which experienced 11.1 billion euros in sales last year.

Commenting on the company's promising financial performance, Christopher A Viehbacher – Sanofi's chief executive officer – said: "Though the financial results in the first half will experience a residual effect from patent expirations, we expect to resume growth in the second half of 2013."