Merck & Co has registered strong growth in profits during the second quarter ended June 2014 despite lower sales. Its net profit increased by 121 per cent to $2,004 million from $906 million in the corresponding period of last year. However, its net sales declined by 0.7 per cent to $10,934 million from $11,010 million due to patent expiration, divested products and decline in sales of hepatitis C products. With impressive growth profits, its EPS moved up to $0.68 from $0.30 in the last period.

Its pharmaceuticals sales during the second quarter ended June 2014 declined by 2.4 per cent to $9,087 million from $9,310 million due to loss of exclusivity for Temodar and Nasonex. Further, the sales from the hepatitis franchise of Victrelis and Pegintron declined due to stiff competition. The sales of Januvia/Janumet increased by 1.9 per cent to $1,577 million and that of Zetia/Vyytorin moved up by 6.3 per cent to $1,134 million from $1,067 million. The sales of Remicade increased by 15.2 per cent to $607 million from $527 million. The sales from animal healthcare improved only by 2 per cent to $872 million from $851 million and that of consumer care division moved up by 19 per cent to $583 million from $490 million.

For the first half ended June 2014, Merck's net sales declined by almost 2 per cent to $21,198 million from $21,681 million in the similar period of last year. Its net profit, however, jumped by 48 per cent to $3,709 million from $2,499 million. Its pharmaceutical sales declined to $17,538 million from $18,201 million.

Kenneth C Frazier, chairman and CEO, said, “We delivered a strong first half of the year, making progress in transforming our operating model, fueling innovation and managing costs, while focusing on our best opportunities. I'm excited as we are preparing for a series of important and promising product launches later this year that we believe will make a meaningful difference to patients, healthcare providers and payers, while creating value for society and shareholders.”