Amgen reports double-digit growth in Q1 2015

Amgen has announced its financial results for the first quarter of 2015, during which it delivered a better-than-expected rate of growth.

The company's total revenues for the quarter came to $5.03 billion (3.35 billion pounds), representing a year-on-year increase of 11 percent, thanks to strong demand for products such as Enbrel, Prolia, Epogen, Sensipar and Xgeva.

Its adjusted earnings per share grew 33 percent versus the first quarter of 2014 to $2.48, driven by higher revenues and lower operating expenses, while adjusted operating income increased 32 percent to $2.45 billion.

Based on these positive results, the company has increased its full-year guidance, with total revenues of between $20.9 billion and $21.3 billion now expected for 2015.

Robert Bradway, chairman and chief executive officer of Amgen, said: "With solid execution in the first quarter, Amgen achieved strong sales and earnings growth and demonstrated substantial progress in achieving our long-term objectives."

Last year, the company achieved a full-year revenue total of $20.1 billion, which was up by seven percent compared to 2013.