Sanofi's Xyzal is nothing to sneeze at as it contributes to strong first-quarter gains

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. — Sanofi posted first quarter gains of 18.7% across its U.S. consumer healthcare business, the company reported Friday, reaching sales of $380.1 million. The growth was driven in large part by the February launch of the Xyzal Allergy 24HR, which generated $47 million in sales in just two months on the shelf.  



And while early indicators of the allergy season have been less than promising, the peak of the season is still almost one month away, Alan Main, EVP consumer healthcare Sanofi, told analysts Friday. "The underlying business is strong," he said, referencing Sanofi's entire OTC portfolio, including its recently acquired brands from Boehringer Ingelheim.



By category, Sanofi Consumer's allergy, cough and cold sales were up 12.9%, pain remedies were up 16.7% and sales of digestive products were down 19.2%, primarily due to lower sales of Dulcolax and Zantac.