Sanofi-Aventis revenues and profit are highly concentrated in a few blockbuster drugs like Lovenex and Plavix. Because of a lack of broad diversification, sanofi-Aventis is particularly vulnerable to patent challenges and expirations.
Sanofi-Aventis recently suffered a major setback when the Food and Drug Administration refused to approve obesity drug Accomplia, its most promising new product, for use in the United States. Accomplia, which is already marketed in 18 countries, was expected to achieve great success and propel growth in the company's US market.