Johnson & Johnson (J&J), the US-based pharma entity, reported improved performance during the third quarter ended September 2004. Its sales reached at $ 11.6 billion, registering an increase of 10.5 per cent over the prior year. The increase represented operational growth of 7.7 per cent and a currency impact of 2.8 per cent. Domestic sales were up by 5.9 per cent and its international sales increased by 17.9 per cent, including operational growth of 10.8 per cent and positive currency impact of 7.1 per cent.
J&J's net earnings for the third quarter touched to $2.3 billion representing a growth of 13 per cent. Its worldwide sales during the quarter reached at $ 5.5 billion with a rise of 13.4 per cent. Sales growth reflects the strong performance of Risperdal, an antipsychotic medication, Duragesic, a transdermal patch for chronic pain, Topamax, an antiepileptic and recently approved for use in the prevention of migraines. The company received US FDA approval for an expanded label for Remicade in combination with methotrexate.
The company acquired Biapharm SAS, a producer and marketer of skin care products in France, centered on the leading brand Biafine. Currently J&J is employing 1.09 lakh employees. It has more than 200 operating companies in 57 countries, selling products throughout the world.