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Sanofi (SNY)

Q4 2025 Earnings Call· Thu, Jan 29, 2026

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Transcript

Thomas Larsen

Management

Hello, everyone, this Thomas Kudsk Larsen from the Sanofi IR team. Welcome to the Q4 and Full Year 2025 Conference Call for investors and analysts. As usual, you can find slides on sanofi.com. Please turn to Slide #3. Here, we have the usual forward-looking statements. We would like to remind you that information presented in this call contains forward-looking statements, which are subject to substantial risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially. We encourage you to read the disclaimer in our slide presentation. In addition, we refer you to our Form 20-F on file with the U.S. SEC and our French Universal Registration Document for a description of these risk factors. As usual, we'll be making comments on our performance using constant exchange rates and other non-IFRS measures. Numbers used are in millions of euros and for Q4 or full year 2025 unless stated otherwise. Please turn to Slide #4. First, we have a presentation, which is a little longer due to full year results, then we will take your questions. We aim at keeping it all to 1 hour, perhaps a little bit more, including questions. We appreciate other companies are also reporting today. For the Q&A, we have Olivier, Brian and Thomas to cover our global businesses as well as Roy, our General Counsel; and Brendan, Head of Manufacturing and Supply. [Operator Instructions] With all of this, I'll now hand you over to Paul.

Paul Hudson

Management

Well, thank you, and hello, everyone. In 2025, we continued to develop into an R&D-driven, AI-powered biopharma company. Our strategic progress was supported by the completion of the Opella transaction, allowing us to reinvest proceeds into business development and M&A opportunities while completing our EUR 5 billion share buyback program. We delivered strong performance with 9.9% sales growth and new launches reached EUR 5.7 billion in sales. We're pleased to have achieved another blockbuster milestone last year, ALTUVIIIO. We successfully launched 2 new medicines, Qfitlia for hemophilia and Wayrilz for ITP and one vaccine, Nuvaxovid to protect against COVID-19. We also achieved several positive Phase III results, including most of the amlitelimab program in AD and the SARCLISA, a subcutaneous formulation. Our innovation engine continues to make progress, replenishing Phase I, including 3 promising gene therapies, our entry into ophthalmology. Looking at Q4 performance on Slide 6, we delivered very strong results with EUR 11.3 billion in sales and 13.3% growth, supported, of course, by our key drivers. Turning to our launches on Slide 7. I'm pleased to report that our newly launched medicines and vaccines grew 34% in 2025. Beyfortus continued to deliver with EUR 1.8 billion in full year sales, demonstrating the critical need for RSV protection. ALTUVIIIO achieved blockbuster status, reaching EUR 1.2 billion in full year sales. Patient adoption continues to increase, with patients switching from both factor and nonfactor medicines. Of note, AYVAKIT reached $725 million in annual pro forma sales, slightly ahead of Blueprint's expectations from early 2025. Our newly launched medicines and vaccines demonstrate our commitment to innovation and the strength of our commercial organization. Moving to Slide 8. Dupixent reached EUR 4.2 billion in the quarter and EUR 15.7 billion in annual sales. Continued growth across anchor indications and expansion into COPD,…

Houman Ashrafian

Management

Thank you, François. 2025 has been a year of significant delivery across our pipeline. I'll walk you through the highlights. On pipeline delivery, we achieved 12 Phase III readouts and 15 Phase II readouts and then added 10 new molecules to Phase I, including 3 gene therapies, emphasizing our greater focus on research, supported by business development to replenish our early-stage pipeline. On the regulatory front, we obtained 20 regulatory approvals and 22 acceptances, including 9 priority reviews, in addition to other designations, underscoring the progress we've made. Most importantly, we provided patients with 3 new medicines and vaccines: Qfitlia, the first RNAi antithrombin medicine in hemophilia approved in the U.S. and China; Wayrilz, the first BTK inhibitor in ITP approved in the U.S. and EU; and our recombinant COVID-19 vaccine with full approval in the U.S. and the EU. All these highlights represent meaningful progress in delivering transformative medicines and vaccines to patients worldwide. Please turn to the next slide. Turning to the Q4 highlights, where we received approvals, including Dupixent for CSU in the EU, Tzield for Stage 2 T1D in the EU, Wayrilz for ITP in the EU, Cerezyme for Gaucher disease Type 3 in the U.S. We strengthened our position in China with 4 approvals, something that I will return to again today. We received regulatory submission acceptance for Dupixent's AFRS in the U.S., Tzield Stage 2 T1D for children in the U.S. and SP0087 rabies vaccine in the EU. On Phase III readouts, amlitelimab delivered more positive results in atopic dermatitis and Dupixent met its primary endpoint in AFRS. Tolebrutinib did not meet its primary endpoint in the PERSEUS study for PPMS. As a result, we will not pursue its regulatory submission. Ending with pivotal Phase III starts, we initiated the second lunsekimig study for…

Paul Hudson

Operator

So we'll now open the call to questions. [Operator Instructions] Now we'll take the first question. Please go ahead.

Unknown Executive

Analyst

The first question is from Zain Ebrahim from JPMorgan. Zain?

Zain Ebrahim

Analyst

Zain Ebrahim, JPMorgan. My first question is on the Dupixent rollouts in CSU and COPD, which sound like they've been particularly strong. But can you elaborate on how those rollouts are progressing and remind us of the biologic penetration in each of these indications and how Dupixent is faring against competition from RHAPSIDO in CSU and NUCALA in COPD? That's my first question. And my second question is a vaccines question. Just in terms of within your overall vaccines guidance, what you're assuming for Beyfortus in '26 in terms of growth and how that looks for the U.S. versus ex U.S.?

Paul Hudson

Operator

Okay. Thanks, Zain. Brian, Dupixent?

Brian Foard

Analyst

Thank you, Zain, so much for the question. So I'll go a bit broader and then I'll focus in on a couple of those indications. So as you look at our performance in 2025, really strong performance, 25% growth year-over-year, and we culminated that with a really strong Q4, and I'll talk about that here in a minute, 32%. Now this was driven not just based on those 2 indications that you highlighted, but the foundation of our indications grew as well because it's a volume-driven growth story that we saw in 2025. Now of course, those were on our base indications, but the launch of COPD, the launch of CSU and the launch of BP were new sources of growth that were not in our base in 2024, which allowed us to accelerate growth, culminating in that Q4 that I talked about there just a bit. And again, I'll highlight COPD and CSU in just a minute. But that 32% growth that we saw at the end of the year is really a reflection of those not being in our base, but being strongly in Q4 performance that we saw. Now as we go forward into 2026, we expect that growth to normalize as we talked about, as we've seen before, and we're well on track to deliver our longer-term guidance by 2030 of greater than 22 -- around $22 billion sales. Now specifically on COPD and CSU, I've spoken about COPD quite a lot. It was an inflection point for this year, as you can see from the performance, which was, again, being the first biologic, really the first innovative therapy in more than 10 years in the COPD space, and we've seen a really good response from the physicians. Now remember, we were already in the pulmonologist offices with asthma and having the leading asthma therapy beforehand. So it was a really nice complement. CSU is a very similar story. We've seen a really rapid uptake in the CSU launch. But again, remember, we were also already the leader in the dermatologist offices and the allergist offices with multiple indications, now 8 indications in the U.S. So we've seen that those have contributed really nicely to our growth. Final point I'll make on CSU because you asked a question about the competitors, RHAPSIDO. We don't really zoom in on one. We think competitors across all the immunology indications are really good because the bio penetration rates are extremely low. AD is only 18% still to date, and it's more than 8 years into our launch. CSU, we believe, is in the low teens. So again, this is a place where you're going to continue to see the market growth as well, which is great when we have new competitors come in.

Paul Hudson

Operator

Okay. Thomas?

Thomas Triomphe

Analyst

Thank you, Zain, for the question. So as it comes to Beyfortus specifically, first of all, let me say that we are happy about the 2025 performance with an increase of a bit more than 9% year-on-year. When you recall very well that on the Q2 earnings call, we had mentioned modest growth expectation for 2025. So happy about the performance. As you've noticed, it's a performance that's coming from broadening the reach to more and more countries, and Beyfortus is now available in more than 45 countries. So as it comes to 2026 outlook, it's a bit early to be very specific on the performance of the product. However, I can say a few words about the dynamics. I think what's very important to have in mind is that there is a little bit of a different dynamic between U.S. and non-U.S. I think that's included in your questions. On the U.S. front, you have seen the recent changes on the pediatric immunization schedule, still very recent. As you have seen from a recommendation perspective, nothing has changed for Beyfortus in terms of recommendation or coverage. Now will it create and to what extent confusion for parents and HCPs? Too early to say. We need to see that in the coming years and we'll be -- in the coming months, sorry, and we'll be able to tell you a bit more at Q2 earnings call more about Beyfortus in the U.S. As of outside of the U.S., we will expand the geographic coverage as we've done over the past 2 years. And the last point I will refer to on Beyfortus. For those that have not seen, there has been a very nice JAMA publication at the end of December 2025. This is the first real-world evidence head-to-head comparison between the use of either maternal immunization or passive immunization with Beyfortus. And you've seen that on very single endpoint, Beyfortus is doing better than the competitor. Thank you very much.

Paul Hudson

Operator

Thank you for that, Thomas.

Unknown Executive

Analyst

Next question is from Ben Jackson from Jefferies. Ben?

Benjamin Jackson

Analyst

Brilliant. Just 2 for me, please. I guess, previously, you've spoken about a range or numbers of peak sales estimates around amlitelimab. And perhaps now that we've had some additional data, has your view on any of this changed at all? And Houman, perhaps if you could flesh that out. And you've had a little bit of time to talk to KOLs now and figure out how they're feeling. What is the feedback that you're getting on the additional results, not just kind of the positive parts on it, too, but if I can push you, what are the pinch points? What are the bits that they still got a little bit of uncertainty or questions over as well? And how can you address those? So just rounding that up would be brilliant.

Paul Hudson

Operator

Thanks, Ben. Brian, do you want to give us a sort of broad view?

Brian Foard

Analyst

Yes. And thank you so much for the question, Ben. I think if you think about the broad view of this, and again, remember that we were always bullish on this from an AD perspective. And I think Houman will probably talk about that. As you think about this marketplace, it's still really developing. We talked about the bio penetration, I mentioned 18%. It will more than double. I'm confident that it will more than double. If you look at what psoriasis has done, this is a marketplace that's going to continue to grow. And if you look at it today, as new mechanisms come into the marketplace like we've seen, it actually accelerates the growth of the marketplace, much like psoriasis and so on and so forth. So having a new mechanism like this with a variety of areas in which to differentiate it, I believe -- I mean, we remain extremely confident about the opportunity in that big marketplace.

Paul Hudson

Operator

And Houman, do you want to...

Houman Ashrafian

Management

Yes. Just to top and tell what Brian has said, I couldn't support more the importance of a novel mechanism in this space, which goes beyond a straightforward anti-cytokine blockade. Of course, that's an excellent mechanism in disease, but the addition of a T cell modulator with the promise, and I underline the word the promise of long-term immune normalization is obviously very attractive in the conversation. You are right to call out the importance of being more data-driven. And of course, we've consistently shown the difference between this molecule that has a Q4 and Q12 dosing optionality, which means down to after loading dose 4 injections a year, which not only provides optionality for patients but also site of injection, et cetera, which will matter. I'd also like to -- both of those are really important, but I'd like to not only underline the importance of the mechanism and the optionality, but that this molecule remains aligned with our initial benefit risk assessment, which is ever so important in this space, which is hugely biologically underpenetrated. And Brian, at the very beginning of the call outlined the importance of having options for these patients in terms of therapeutics. So finally, you asked discussions with prescribers. We did many hundreds of interviews over the last couple of years, including at the recent meeting in Paris. And I can genuinely say that there's enthusiasm about a novel mechanism of action in this space. Thank you very much for the question.

Paul Hudson

Operator

Thank you.

Unknown Executive

Analyst

Next question is from Seamus Fernandez from Guggenheim. Seamus?

Seamus Fernandez

Analyst · BofA

Let's try it again. There we go. So just a couple of questions. First one is on the kind of Kaposi sarcoma case that we saw. Can you provide a little bit more detail on that as it relates to amlitelimab? And is this on mechanism in your view? Or is it more a reflection of the sort of specific patient profile in that particular case? And just wanted to confirm that there were no and have been no additional cases seen in the overall program for amlitelimab. The second question is on lunsekimig. I think you made a comment at a conference earlier this year, specifically that there's a contribution of -- that you believe there's a contribution of TSLP in some early atopic dermatitis data as it relates to lunsekimig. I was just hoping you could clarify and confirm that comment and your views and hope that lunsekimig in that formulation -- in that disease state could potentially have a role.

Paul Hudson

Operator

Okay. Houman?

Houman Ashrafian

Management

Yes. Thank you. Multiple parts to that question. Number one, let me do the second one first. Just to very quickly take that off the table. Yes, there is existing data, not with our molecule, but other people's molecules that TSLP may indeed have a therapeutic benefit in the treatment of atopic dermatitis. Obviously, IL-13 is well established in this space, the combination of TSLP and IL-13 indeed may have an additive or indeed synergistic effect. We are testing that clinical hypothesis will be very data-driven. So we look forward to seeing the results of lunsekimig, not only in asthma and its related adjacencies, but also in atopic dermatitis. And then as you outlined in the amli question you composed to sarcoma, the answer to your question is that all immunomodulators come with a theoretical risk of infectious complications or increased infectious risk. Kaposi's sarcoma unequivocally is caused by herpes virus, HHVA, sort of a standard herpes virus. And it's not surprising that a herpes virus will be associated with an immunomodulator as they are with all other immunomodulators. There is some genetic evidence to suggest perhaps that with amlitelimab, there may be a differential sensitivity to some or other herpes viruses. So as you say, potentially on mechanism and the very first ID that we put out before we ever started the Phase III as this was anticipated and was not regarded as a significant issue of concern. The benefit risk profile with this molecule is in line with everything we've said. And as is our activity, we will continue to produce not just with Kaposi's sarcoma, but all the broader safety and benefit of this molecule as we continue to publish the data sequentially until the end of OCEANA studies.

Unknown Executive

Analyst

Next question is from David Risinger from Leerink.

David Risinger

Analyst

Yes. So congrats on the fourth quarter performance. I just have a couple of questions. First, Houman, in terms of the amlitelimab press release that you issued recently, when do you expect to disclose full results from those studies? And François, business EPS is expected to grow faster -- or slightly faster than sales this year despite losing R&D reimbursement from Regeneron during the third quarter. Could you just talk about the offsets to that? And looking forward to 2027, how you're thinking about prospects for growth and earnings as well?

Paul Hudson

Operator

Thanks, David. Houman?

Houman Ashrafian

Management

Yes, a quick answer to your question. I think we committed to presenting the COAST 1 data AD, which I think at the end of March in Denver this year, subject to the -- on conference organizers, [ clement ] nature, we may be able to put COAST [ 2 ] and SHORE in there, that's still subject to discussion. So we hope to be able to present most of the data to you by the end of March.

Paul Hudson

Operator

Okay. Thank you, François? François-Xavier Roger: Yes. David, as far as 2026 is concerned, to start with, indeed, you mentioned it, we will have a decrease of the R&D reimbursement by Regeneron of EUR 400 million this year. It was initially thought it would be EUR 300 million, but since Dupixent is growing faster -- even faster than we thought, we will accelerate this determination of the reimbursement earlier. So we have a negative impact of EUR 400 million this year, but it will be more than offset by the Amvuttra royalties, which are going to increase even further than we thought. So we had almost 0.5 billion of Amvuttra royalties in '25. It will be probably around EUR 1 billion in '26. So we'll have a net between the 2 items in terms of impact on the BOI of about positive EUR 100 million this year in '26. In '27, we had initially thought that we would have the full impact of the termination of the R&D reimbursement by Regeneron. We expected initially that it would be a decrease of BOI of about 800 million in '27. It will be a bit less, probably with what we see today, around EUR 700 million, as a consequence of what I said earlier. On Amvuttra, it should be probably around -- it's still early to say, but further increase of EUR 300 million. So the net between the 2 will be probably a negative in '27 at BOI level of minus EUR 400 million, which is a bit better than what we had said last time.

Roy Papatheodorou

Analyst

Next question from Simon Baker from Redburn.

Simon Baker

Analyst

Two if I may, please. Firstly, one for Houman. You've had a bit of a rationalization of your Phase II portfolio. I just wonder if you could talk us through any overarching principles that guided those decisions and future development plans? And then secondly, moving on to Dupixent. The main patent goes in March 31. But as far as we can tell, you've got about 40 patents which expire between late '31 and February 2045. So I just wonder if you could give us your thoughts on life after March 31 in terms of the potential LOE for Dupixent?

Paul Hudson

Operator

Okay. Houman we'll get you and then, of course, quickly to Roy for a moment.

Houman Ashrafian

Management

Thanks for the question. The -- when I started 2.5 years ago, it was very clear that we have a dynamic allocation strategy. We are good stewards of capital, and we need to ensure that every dollar is well spent. So the overarching strategy, which François and I hold hands on, is that we will, on a regular basis, now on at least quarterly basis, guided by AI establishment of value, we will dynamically allocate -- reallocate resources. And what that means is there'll be some programs that stop. But of course, it also means that we will double down on some programs and we'll do the right things even if they're hard. So the overarching principle is very simply in relation of capital allocation to value.

Paul Hudson

Operator

Thank you. Roy?

Roy Papatheodorou

Analyst

So Simon, thanks for the question. We do expect Dupixent to be protected by its patents beyond March 31 in the U.S. That's the reality. As you can imagine, lots of innovation, lots of indications and counting. These are being recognized by multiple -- and thank you for going through them, granted and to be granted patents ranging from [ '31 to '45. ] We believe we have a very strong patent portfolio, which we intend to vigorously defend. You'll understand, it's too early to speculate on specific dates of biosimilar entry, if and when patent fights commence, we'll be able to give you more details of what is being challenged and where, but we feel we're in a good place with multiple patents.

Paul Hudson

Operator

Okay. Thanks, Roy?

Roy Papatheodorou

Analyst

The next question from Luisa Hector from Berenberg. Luisa?

Luisa Hector

Analyst

I wanted to ask on vaccines, please, because if we look at 2025, you deployed about EUR 3 billion on business development, M&A. So I wondered if you're putting that together with your R&D, is that a significant step-up in capital allocation to vaccines? And how should we think about the opportunity cost versus building your drug pipeline? And then perhaps a little more color on Dynavax. It looks like a neat deal. So how did you value it? Is this a U.S. opportunity mainly? Is it catch-up and then you move to an annual cohort eventually? And should we think about shingles as a booster opportunity in the over 70s?

Paul Hudson

Operator

Thank you, Luisa. Thomas, 2 good questions for you.

Thomas Triomphe

Analyst

So I will start in the reverse order, Luisa, if you don't mind. So on Dynavax, let me first start by saying that the transaction is not closed yet. So as you know very well, we are still processing. But going back to your question, I can talk a little bit about the rationale. A few elements I'd like to highlight on this. First of all, it goes very well with what we have discussed before with the fact that we are very present on a significant part on the pediatric immunization schedule. But as we discussed in the past, we see, in terms of demographics, simply an increase on the older adult group and a decrease over the past few years on the pediatric and that's why our strategy is more and more focused towards the older adult group in terms of pipeline development. And the Dynavax proposed acquisition very well fits that profile, with [ HEPLISAV-B ] in mostly focused on the U.S. So that's really the cornerstone for this product with a very differentiated product, with a 2 doses regimen versus 3 doses for any other competitor. And you've seen the progress in terms of market share. And we believe, by adding our commercial muscle there, we can further improve the performance in this segment. In parallel, you have mentioned Shingles, very interesting Phase I/II data there on the Dynavax shingles candidate. We believe there's a great possibility in terms of marketplace if there is a candidate that comes with a significant similar efficacy than the current incumbent in that place. However, with a much better tolerability, and we believe that the Dynavax technology will enable that profile. Going back to the first part of your question on capital allocation. So if you look at it from the way you framed it, indeed, there has been an increase in 2025, but I'd like to maybe take a step back and explain to you how we look at it. We don't look at capital allocation or acquisition per TA. The way we look at it is what is the strategic fit of every single possibility in terms of acquisition or licensing it? Does it fit our portfolio? Does it fit our capabilities? Does it fit our long-term perspective on the business? We have a very strong long-term perspective on the vaccination business, where the fundamentals are very strong. We believe that the acquisition we have made, both early and later stage in 2025, do reflect and do fit well that perspective. So we are not looking at it partly. We are really looking at it -- what's the strategic fit, what is -- are we the best owners? Can we deliver significant added value? And if that's the case, at the right price, then we go for it.

Roy Papatheodorou

Analyst

Yes. Next question from Pete Verdult from BNP. Pete?

Peter Verdult

Analyst

Yes, Pete Verdult, BNP. Apologies if some of these questions have been asked, but we've had a rather long competitor call to finish off. So just 2 questions. Thomas, sorry to come -- to stay on vaccines. Can we spend some time on the outlook in light of some of the recent developments that you've already touched upon, particularly in the U.S., on the context in terms of the 10 billion target you set for 2030. So just looking for a little bit of a ballpark reminder. What percentage of your business today is exposed to these U.S. pediatric vaccination schedule changes? I know we're not expecting any imminent impact. But just to remind us what the ballpark exposure is. Could you flesh out a bit more some of the U.S. and ex U.S. Beyfortus dynamics? And then when it comes to flu, what's your sort of -- on a net basis, how are you thinking about the outlook? On one hand, you've got mRNA threats receding, but you've got investor concerns around risks from competitor preventative assets rising. So net-net, how are you thinking about flu? So that's the first question. And then much more succinctly, just Paul or François, just on capital allocation. Given the pipeline disappointments, is it fair to assume business development activity is set to accelerate significantly going forward? Any -- are you really not going to talk about specific assets, but just your intention to do BD. Is that set to step change? François-Xavier Roger: Okay. Thank you. Thomas and François?

Thomas Triomphe

Analyst

Yes. So welcome first, Pete. And indeed, there was a bit of a similar question at the front stage, so I'll be pretty fast. So on the outlook about vaccines, and I think to be clear and explicit, you're referring to the recent U.S. [ childhood ] immunization recommendation changes in the U.S. Maybe a few words about this and then we'll turn the page. So those recommendations, to be clear, have been pivotal in making sure that we can prevent life-threatening disease in U.S. citizens for many, many decades. The recent and sudden shift there has been in early January to a 3-tier childhood vaccination framework, full generate confusion for both parents and providers. We don't know that. We don't know yet if there will be a concrete impact in terms of this year, but it's way too early to look at that. A couple of points, though, in terms of dynamics I'd like to highlight. First of all, you've seen that every single medical society and by far, the very, very fast -- vast majority of HCPs have decided to stick to the previous immunization schedule, first point. Second point, you have not missed the fact that all vaccines remain covered by insurance or by Medicaid or Medicare, depending on the different products. So it's not a question of coverage. But Pete, you're right, there could be some confusion in terms of U.S. vaccination schedule. The way we look at it is what can we do and we are focused on our energy and our actions. We are engage proactively with HCPs with clinical societies in every single country, U.S. and non-U.S., we expand the benefits of our product, how they are differentiated from others, and we are focused on what we can do. So that's really for…

Paul Hudson

Operator

Thank you, Thomas. François? François-Xavier Roger: Yes, Pete, on the capital allocation question, well, first and foremost, I presented it earlier, we have a strong balance sheet that gives us flexibility. That being said, we will remain very disciplined. So we will use our capital essentially around 3 criteria in terms of external growth, BD and M&A. Strategic, essentially around our 4 existing main therapeutic area plus potentially some white spaces. We want to make sure that we bring scientific differentiation with best-in-class, first-in-class assets and differentiated assets, and we want to secure financial return as well. We are certainly not chasing growth for the short term and medium term. You saw our growth profile last year. You see our growth profile for 2026, which is at the upper end of the industry. So not chasing growth. But we are rather focusing on the longer term to complement our pipeline. So we have a certain number of assets in our pipeline. We know as well that we have -- we discussed it a few minutes ago, to manage the [ LOE ] of Dupixent at the earliest in 2031, we just discussed it. So as a consequence of that, we will try to focus essentially on Phase I, Phase II assets, which is our priority. We could as well, as we did last year, by the way, complement it with commercialized assets, which will probably, to a certain extent, mitigate the BOI/EPS impact. Anyway, we will remain very disciplined. And I would not say we have time because time flies, and we have a feeling of urgency. But once again, we will be super focused and super disciplined.

Roy Papatheodorou

Analyst

The next question is Steve Scala from TD Cowen. Steve?

Thibault Boutherin

Analyst

Two questions, please. First, I'm curious why Sanofi has not been as forthcoming as Regeneron on Dupixent life cycle extension programs. I'm referring specifically to what Regeneron shared earlier this month. My understanding is that you have similar rights as you do now. So are you simply not as confident in those programs? So that's the first question. Second question is, in the past -- in past quarters, Sanofi has noted on the Dupixent slide that Dupixent was #1 in new-to-brand Rx and #1 in total brand share in the U.S. Curious why that was left off this quarter. Is that due to competition, specifically from [ Ebglyss ]?

Paul Hudson

Operator

Okay. Brian, 2 questions for you.

Brian Foard

Analyst

I'll start with the second one. Steve, thanks. That's a really nice setup. Sorry, we missed that on the slide. We are #1. We remain #1 in every single indication across each of our specialists. So apologies, I think we are now adding more things about new indications and whatnot. We probably left that off there, but no. And I don't foresee that changing anytime soon. Now as it relates to LCM and forthcoming this from a Regeneron standpoint. I'll build on what Roy said. First, it starts with our IP. First, I have to think about that, how are we going to continue to defend that long into the future. And so Roy gave a statement there. So we've got quite some time. But we've been building along with the alliance and LCM strategy, as you would imagine, and we will reveal it in due course. Most likely the first half of this year, you'll get an update on where we stand as far as what we're doing with Dupixent specifically. Might be formulation related, so on and so forth, but you'll get a bit of an update there as well. Additionally, we are working on the next-generation IL-4Ra with Regeneron. Regeneron talked about this a little bit at JPMorgan, but we continue to work on -- and collaborate on programs that we have across the alliance. And again, that could be really meaningful as a follow-on Dupixent and so on and so forth. But beyond that, given our success across the alliance for quite some time now, we're always open to and interested in considering future collaborations with Regeneron, as we said at JPMorgan. So I feel like we're in a really good spot right now, more to come in the very near future.

Paul Hudson

Operator

Yes. Next question from Sachin Jain from BofA.

Seamus Fernandez

Analyst · BofA

Just 2 questions from me. Firstly, big picture, I guess, for Paul. There's a sentence in the press release that talked about midterm profitable growth for 5 years. And at a recent conference, you talked about potentially delivering, I guess, implied with teens EPS. So just a big picture from your side. What was the intent on that signaling and giving you consensus as large as their ex pipeline? So just thoughts as to inserting that commentary within the debate for investors. And then secondly, one for Houman. Do we get any further TL1A Phase II data through the course of '26 that further profiles the asset as we start looking to that Phase III data, I guess, into '28?

Paul Hudson

Operator

I should maybe let François comment first on profitable growth. François-Xavier Roger: Yes, profitable growth. I think that we included that comment in the press release because we had a lot of questions. We just wanted to make sure that the market understands that we do expect to deliver an attractive level of growth to start with for the next 6 potentially years and that this will be coming with profitable growth as well because there was a question a couple of quarters ago about our capacity to deliver profitable growth each and every single year. I confirmed it a little bit earlier today. There was a question more specifically about '27 given the end of the R&D reimbursement with Regeneron, but it's not a defensive move, it's just a confirmation of the way that we see the outlook for the medium term.

Houman Ashrafian

Management

And your second question, the answer is simply, yes. We will have maintenance data for the TL1A, at some point this half.

Roy Papatheodorou

Analyst

Next question from James Gordon from Barclays. James?

James Gordon

Analyst

James Gordon from Barclays. One question was on business development. I know you've had some questions on this already, but a follow-up to those, please. I've seen some attributive comments this morning about the company having a EUR 14 billion to EUR 15 billion BD firepower amount for this year. And assuming that is right, that was the comment, what is the thinking there? Is it that you do -- you can really fire that immunology to get more assets that could complement a follow-on from Dupi? Or with immunology looking a bit crowded and you've got a lot going on in immunology anyway already and a bit more competition coming as well. Could you focus beyond Dupi and say, right, we're going to broaden out other areas of the business. So could it be like EUR 15 billion on one big deal? And if so, is it more likely to be trying to do even more immunology or could you diversify? So the second one I was just going to say as well. So [indiscernible] for AAT, I didn't see an update on the regulatory plans. Have you now spoken to the FDA? Or if not, when will you? And do you think you can file on the data you've got?

Paul Hudson

Operator

Why don't we get François, then... François-Xavier Roger: No, I will just -- I will answer on the EUR 15 billion, which is I would say the upper limit of what we can do to maintain our [ AA ] rating. So it has nothing to do with where we can invest by TA and so forth. As I said, I mean we are interested fundamentally in strengthening. Our position in our 4 existing TAs plus potentially white spaces. We could always contemplate going further than that. But the EUR 15 billion was the, let's say, technical limitation to preserve our AA rating.

Paul Hudson

Operator

Thank you. Houman?

Houman Ashrafian

Management

Yes. I'll follow Brian's lead. Thank you for the setup. We had excellent data, as we announced late last year. We'll imminently, certainly, this half of the year, go to the FDA to have broader conversations on the trajectory of that molecule as we previously suggested.

Paul Hudson

Operator

Okay. I think was the final question, was it? Or there's next question?

Roy Papatheodorou

Analyst

Yes. Next question from James Quigley from Goldman Sachs.

James Quigley

Analyst

I've got 2, please. Hopefully, they haven't already been asked, but I'll give it a go anyway. So firstly, on -- following on from Steve's question on the Regeneron portfolio. The IL-13 assets were not in the alliance. So was that a Sanofi decision? So is it that you think lunsekimig is more attractive option for IL-13. Can you give us any color yet as to why you're excited about the IL-13 and TSLP combination for lunsekimig? And then secondly, on the hemophilia portfolio. ALTUVIIIO continues to show strong growth. What are your expectations here in terms of gaining additional share into 2026? Are you willing to give a peak sales forecast here now that you hit blockbuster status? And also for Qfitlia, the launch is progressing steadily. You've got China approval now. So what's the feedback been in terms of where Qfitlia is being used? Are there any lingering thrombosis concerns with the product that may be holding it back?

Paul Hudson

Operator

Okay. Thank you so much. Okay, Brian, over to you.

Brian Foard

Analyst

Yes, James, thanks so much for the question. I briefly addressed it just before. So there's not a decision necessarily on the IL-13. I think we talked about this a little bit at JPMorgan not so long ago. But as I said before, we are -- it's not in the alliance currently, but we're always open to having conversations with Regeneron about potentially including it in the alliance. As I also said, we have a long-acting IL-4 RA that actually is in the alliance that we're actually working on right now as a follow-on asset to [ dupilumab ]. So again, long withstanding great partnership with Regeneron, so we'll always have conversations with them about what we might do next together. And as it relates to Qfitlia, you want me to tackle the Qfitlia one next. Qfitlia is again, it's still early days as far as the launch goes. We said from the very beginning, this is really a very cool therapy in the sense that it is a very targeted kind of precision medicine, if you will, come to the diagnostic as it relates to antithrombin levels. And again, what we said is we'll have a little slower ramp. I think it will be a lot stickier on the back end from a patient standpoint as physicians get really -- they can dial it up and dial it down as the patient presents and it's really more personalized by each patient. So far, we've heard really good feedback from the marketplace. No concerns as far as safety goes so far. But again, it's early days and promising. We'll keep you up to date in future calls.

Paul Hudson

Operator

Okay. Thanks, Brian. And then I think there may be one more?

Unknown Executive

Analyst

Yes, one more question and last question from Graham Parry from Citi. Gram?

Graham Glyn Parry

Analyst

Apologies if it has been asked, I think it has. I just wanted to check on itepekimab. You're saying about looking at additional data for the path forward. So can you give us time lines on what it is you're looking on the data and the clarity and time lines on path forward for that molecule? And then tolebrutinib in the U.S., are we just correct to assume no path forward in the U.S.? If you could just comment on rest of world regulators' attitudes to the ability to monitor compared to the U.S., that would be very useful.

Houman Ashrafian

Management

Graham at Citi, and those that will know, no, I have made that point. Thank you for the question. The first question, let me do it in reverse, tolebrutinib's approach is pretty straightforward. We're waiting for regulatory comments from rest of world, as you say from EU. And we'll see where we take it from there. And then on itepekimab, as I consistently said, the next steps for itepekimab will be determined by interactions with the FDA predominantly to establish exactly the requirements for a replication study for Phase III going forward. As soon as we know, we will commit to sharing it more broadly in partnership with our successful alliance partners Regeneron.

Paul Hudson

Operator

Okay. Thank you, Houman. Thank you, Graham. Well, thanks for this last question. In 2025, we achieved a strong year of profitable growth. Sales increased by 9.9% at constant exchange rates, while business EPS improved significantly faster by 15%. We launched 3 new medicines and vaccines: Qfitlia, Wayrilz, and Nuvaxovid. All this was made possible by the dedicated effort of all Sanofi colleagues worldwide. In 2026, we expect sales to grow by a high single-digit percentage and business EPS to grow slightly faster than sales. We anticipate profitable growth to continue over at least 5 years. Based on our pipeline, combined with external growth opportunities, our ambition is to pursue earnings growth into the next decade. With this, I would like to thank you for the interest in Sanofi, and we'll now close the call. Thank you.