0809 GMT - Sanofi's expanded alliance with Regeneron Pharmaceuticals represents the French drugmaker's first step toward addressing its long-term outlook and should be seen as a clear sign of progress under new CEO Belen Garijo, Jefferies analysts write in a research note. "While the assets are early-stage, the expansion should be viewed positively, as it signals the new CEO's proactive focus on the most important yet addressable uncertainties investors face, as well as the speed of progress," the analysts say. Potential acquisitions and a settlement to delay the arrival of copycat versions of the alliance's blockbuster drug Dupixent are other key steps Sanofi needs to take to address the sales hole left by that medicine's patent expiration between 2031 and 2032, the analysts add. Sanofi shares rise 0.6%.