Sanofi-Aventis, the French pharmaceuticals company, on Wednesday posted earnings up 17 per cent as it expressed interest in future acquisitions and unveiled a cull of its pipeline designed to focus on the most promising experimental medicines for patients and profits.

Chris Viehbacher, the chief executive appointed in December, said he had cancelled 14 drugs currently being tested in humans, while leaving 51. ”I feel a whole lot more comfortable about the quality,” he said.