PARIS, Oct 31 - Sanofi-Aventis raised its 2008 growth forecasts as the world’s third largest drugmaker reported in-line third quarter net profit little changed after bearing the brunt of cheaper copies to its top-selling drugs.

The group said on Friday it expects growth in 2008 adjusted earnings per share of around 9 per cent, at a constant euro/dollar rate of 1.371, which is up from around 8 per cent. This compares with €5.17 for 2007.