Abbott announces increase in sales during fourth quarter

Abbott this week posted its financial results for 2009, revealing a 10.6 per cent rise in worldwide sales.

The firm’s full-year sales reached $30.8 billion (19 billion pounds), while its worldwide reported sales increased by 12.7 per cent overall.

International pharmaceutical sales also rose by 22.1 per cent, and the company’s worldwide medical products sales were boosted by 23.4 per cent during the timeframe.

Miles White, chairman and chief executive officer of Abbott, explained that the results are indicative of the organisation’s sustainable strengths.

“We took decisive long-term strategic actions in 2009 to ensure our strong results continue for years to come. As a result, we’re positioned to deliver another year of top-tier performance in 2010,” he added.

Earlier this week, Abbott submitted its ARCHITECT HIV Ag/Ab test to the Food and Drug Administration for pre-market approval.

The assay is anticipated to be the first test available for the simultaneous detection of the combined presence of HIV antigens and antibodies.