Sanofi Aventis’ consolidated net income decreases

Sanofi Aventis’ consolidated net income has decreased from 5,263 million euros (4,732 million pounds) to 3,851 million euros over a year.

Attributed to a 1,485 million impairment charge against the organisation’s intangible assets following the acquisition of Aventis, the drop was announced as part of the company’s 2008 results.

However, the company noted its product Lantus had seen a sales increase of 27.7 per cent, while Taxotere was up 13.2 per cent, Lovenox rose 10.6 per cent and Plavix grew 10.5 per cent.

The company’s chief executive officer Chris Viehbacher said the business’s “ambition” was to become a leader in global healthcare, “with one of the most productive R&D in the sector.

“Our objective is to deliver ? growth ahead of current expectations of financial markets, while strengthening or building platforms.”

Based in Paris, France, Sanofi Aventis has UK headquarters in Guildford, Surrey.

The organisation has 18,000 employees in over 25 research and development centres.