The French drug maker revealed its forecast for Acomplia upon posting fourth quarter financial results. Originally slated for a second quarter release, the drug is now more likely to appear in the second half of 2006 following the FDA's request for further information. Some analysts had speculated that the FDA approvable letter would delay the drug's launch until 2007
Sanofi, the world's third-largest drug maker, is counting upon a successful launch for Acomplia as the company begins to face increased pressure from generic drugs. Both Plavix and Lovenox, the company's heart disease drugs, could lose patent protection as early as next year.
In its financial results, Sanofi reported a 20.8% increase in net profit for the fourth quarter of 2005 to E1.44 billion. The company also said that cost savings from its merger with Aventis in 2004 were ahead of schedule.