French drugmaker Sanofi-Aventis (SASY.PA) reported progress in talks to buy U.S. biotech firm (GENZ.O) as it predicted 5-10 percent lower earnings this year. "As we announced about 10 days ago, we have signed a confidentiality agreement with Genzyme," Chief Executive Chris Viehbacher said in a media conference call. "We continue to review non-public information. Talks are progressing and we'll keep you updated," he added. The forecast drop in business earnings per share (EPS), at constant exchange rates did not include any benefit from the possible acquisition of Genzyme, Sanofi said, nor the damaging effects of a return of generic copies to cancer drug Eloxatin.
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