Sanofi experienced a significant boost in its third-quarter performance, with sales reaching €13,438 million, marking a 15.7% increase at constant exchange rates (CER). This growth was primarily driven by earlier-than-anticipated vaccine sales and the strong performance of Dupixent. The company has raised its 2024 business EPS guidance due to this robust business performance.
Key Growth Drivers
Dupixent, a key immunology drug, saw its sales climb by 23.8% to €3,476 million. This growth was fueled by strong demand across its approved indications, including atopic dermatitis, asthma, chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyposis, eosinophilic esophagitis, and prurigo nodularis. Notably, Dupixent has now been approved as the first-ever biologic medicine to treat COPD in the EU, China, and the US.
Vaccines also played a crucial role in Sanofi's Q3 success, with sales up 25.5%. This increase was attributed to the phasing of flu sales and the performance of Beyfortus, driven by approved extra capacity.
New pharmaceutical launches contributed significantly, with sales up 67.1% to €727 million. Key contributors include ALTUVIIIO, Nexviazyme, and Rezurock.
Pipeline Advancements
Sanofi's pipeline saw significant progress in Q3, with four regulatory approvals:
- Dupixent for COPD (US, CN)
- Dupixent for CRSwNP in adolescents (US)
- Sarclisa for NDMM, TI (US)
The company also reported four positive Phase 3 data readouts:
- Dupixent for BP
- Dupixent for CSU
- Tolebrutinib for nrSPMS
- Sarclisa for NDMM, TE
Financial Performance
Business EPS for Q3 reached €2.86, a 12.2% increase as reported and a 17.6% increase at CER. Research and Development expenses grew by 12.7%, reflecting increased activity in mid- and late-stage development. Selling, general, and administrative expenses grew by 6.4%, substantially below sales growth, positively impacting profitability.
Strategic Moves
Sanofi is in exclusive negotiations with CD&R to transfer a controlling stake of Opella, its consumer healthcare division, allowing Sanofi to focus on innovative medicines and vaccines.
CEO Commentary
Paul Hudson, Sanofi's Chief Executive Officer, stated, “We reached almost 16% sales growth in the third quarter, illustrating the underlying strength of our portfolio. Our performance was boosted by the phasing of flu and Beyfortus, while we saw steady growth of 67% for our launch medicines as well as volume-driven growth by Dupixent... Based on the strong business performance in the quarter, we recently upgraded our business EPS guidance. This momentum is already paving the way for the strong rebound we said we expected in 2025 business EPS.”
2024 Business EPS Guidance
Sanofi has upgraded its 2024 business EPS guidance to growth of at least a low single-digit percentage at CER, supported by the underlying strong business performance. This guidance reflects the new scope excluding Opella.
