Say the Pfizer/Sanofi-Aventis rumors are true: Would merging with the French drug maker boost Pfizer's fortunes [1]? Not so much, say some observers.
The two companies do have some strengths in common--particularly their cardiovascular and central nervous system products. But they also share weaknesses. Some of their major patents would expire in tandem, for instance; Pfizer's blockbuster Lipitor [2]Â goes off patent in 2012, and 2011 is D-Day for Sanofi-Aventis' Plavix [3]Â (which it markets along with Bristol-Myers Squibb). So they also share a need for new big-selling products. And really--would the French easily relinquish one of their business jewels to American sway?
- read the Dow Jones column [4]
Related Articles:
Sanofi stock up on Pfizer buyout talk. Report [1]
Pfizer, Wyeth merger bad idea? Report [5]
Read more on: Pfizer [6]Â | Sanofi-Aventis [7]
Links:
[1] http://www.fiercepharma.com/story/sanofi-stock-up-on-pfizer-buyout-talk/2007-10-09?utm_medium=nl&utm_source=link
[2] http://www.fiercepharma.com/story/pfizers-lipitor-patent-request-rejected/2007-08-17
[3] http://www.fiercebiotech.com/story/also-noted-generic-plavix-to-arrive-soon-alzheimer-s-drug-effective-against/2006-08-08
[4] http://www.thebusiness.co.uk/news-and-analysis/245491/pfizer-no-cure-for-sanofiaventis.thtml
[5] http://www.fiercepharma.com/story/pfizer-wyeth-merger-bad-idea/2007-08-27
[6] http://www.fiercebiotech.com/tags/pfizer
[7] http://www.fiercebiotech.com/tags/sanofi-aventis