Sanofi-Aventis Romania Expects To Grow Faster Than Market In 2011

05.06.2011 By Andrei Circhelan

Pharmaceutical company Sanofi-Aventis Romania expects its sales increase this year to be higher than the market’s estimated growth of 5%, fueled by launch of new products and wider sales in its existing portfolio.

Last year, the company' sales on the Romanian market amounted to 870 million lei (EUR211 million), corresponding to a 9% share, according to data from market research firm Cegedim. According to Cegedim data, Sanofi-Aventis is the largest drug seller on the local market.

"The market's growth tended to slow down starting with July 2010. In our best-case scenario, the market will grow by 5% this year, and we want to grow higher," Sanofi-Aventis Romania country manager Dan Ivan told a news conference Friday.

First quarter sales were at RON270 million, up 2% on the year.

Original drugs account for 50% of the company's sales, while over-the-counter and generic drugs generate 25% each. In addition, vaccines add an approximate RON20 million every year.

For this year, Sanofi-Aventis plans to launch 16 generic products.

French group Sanofi-Aventis, the world's fourth largest drug maker in terms of sales, holds the majority stake in Zentiva Romania (SCD.RO), after buying the Czech group Zentiva in the first quarter of 2009.

The Sanofi-Aventis group manages two distinct operations in Romania, Sanofi-Aventis Romania SRL and Zentiva SA, keeping the brands separate. (EUR1=RON4.1208)