Nexavar leads strong healthcare sales at Bayer
German drugs and chemicals maker Bayer reported a "positive performance" in the third quarter to 30 September 2009 led by its healthcare division, which saw year-on-year increases in sales and earnings.
German drugs and chemicals maker Bayer reported a "positive performance" in the third quarter to 30 September 2009 led by its healthcare division, which saw year-on-year increases in sales and earnings.
Healthcare sales rose by 3.5% to Euro 3.9bn, with all divisions contributing to the results. EBITDA before special items advanced by 12.1% to €1.14bn.
The pharmaceuticals segment increased sales by 3% to €2.5bn, performing especially well in Asia and Latin America. The cancer drug Nexavar reported the most significant growth, with sales increasing by a currency adjusted 29.6%.
Other strong performers were Aspirin Cardio (+14.9%) to prevent heart attacks and Levitra (+12.1%) to treat erectile dysfunction. Sales of YAZ oral contraceptives also rose by 4.6%. However, sales of the multiple sclerosis drug Betaferon/Betaseron fell by 3.7%, with lower sales in Europe only partly offset by increases in North America.
