B-MS reports small quarter increase

Bristol-Myers Squibb (B-MS) has turned in an increase in sales from continuing operations of 4% to $4.7bn (€5.32bn), for the third quarter of the year. US pharmaceutical sales were up 7% while worldwide sales increased by 6%.

'We're pleased with our solid financial performance in the third quarter,' said Peter R Dolan, chairman and ceo. 'At the same time that many of our largest products have experienced strong increases in sales, we've also made significant strides in executing our strategy for longer-term growth.

'We completed the acquisition of DuPont Pharmaceuticals, entered into a landmark agreement with ImClone Systems to co-develop and co-promote the novel cancer drug IMC-C225, and announced plans to re-file the new drug application for Vanlev, in the treatment of hypertension. These represent important drivers of the future growth for our core medicines business.'

During the quarter, B-MS saw continued robust performance for four crucial drugs: the Glucophage family of diabetes products was up 44%; Plavix, an anti-platelet drug rose 64%; Avapro, an anti-hypertension drug, increased 37% and Pravachol, B-MS's cholesterol lowering drug, grew by 26% over the same period last year.