Boehringer Ingelheim expresses confidence in 2011 sales growth

Boehringer Ingelheim has predicted a mid-single digit percentage growth rate in 2011 after enjoying what it describes as a "successful" 2010.

The pharmaceutical company saw increased competition from generic drugs in the last 12 months but was nevertheless able to achieve a "satisfactory" level of operating income at 1.9 billion euros (1.66 billion pounds).

Among the positive developments noted during the year was the growth seen in its prescription medicines portfolio, as well as its purchase of a US production site from Amgen and the agreement of a major new diabetes collaboration with Lilly.

In the coming year, the firm expects to see further growth stimulated by the continuing global rollout of Pradaxa (dabigatran etexilate) in a new indication for stroke prevention.

Professor Andreas Barner, chairman of the board of managing directors at Boehringer Ingelheim, said: "The history of success of Boehringer Ingelheim will continue with new medicines that give patients convincing therapeutic advantage in the treatment of their illnesses."

Earlier this week, the company published clinical trial data that demonstrated the efficacy of dabigatran etexilate as an atrial fibrillation therapy.