Alcon Laboratories hails strong first quarter performance

Alcon Laboratories has expressed satisfaction with its financial performance in the first quarter of 2010, after reporting a 15.3 per cent year-on-year increase in global sales.

The firm recorded a worldwide sales total of $1.7 billion (1.1 billion pounds) for the three-month period, with strong individual performers including its AcrySof intraocular lenses.

Overall, global surgical sales rose by 8.3 per cent on an organic basis compared to 2009, while pharmaceutical products saw an 11.7 per cent increase in worldwide sales totals.

Kevin Buehler, Alcon’s president and chief executive officer, also highlighted the fact that the firm was able to achieve faster growth in terms of net and operating profit as a result of this.

He added: “With this start to the year, we are on track to post solid results in 2010 that reflect sustainable organic growth and operational leverage.”

The most recent quarter has also seen the company expand its presence in the eye care sector through the acquisition of topical ophthalmic products from Sirion Therapeutics in January.