Merck Sharpe and Dohme reports strong 2009 performance

Merck Sharpe and Dohme has expressed confidence in its future financial performance after posting strong results during the 2009 fiscal year.

The pharmaceutical company earned a total of $10.1 billion (6.4 billion pounds) in net worldwide sales during the fourth quarter of the year, which comprised more than a third of its $27.4 billion sales for the year.

It attributed the strength of its late 2009 taking to its merger with Schering-Plough, which was completed at the beginning of November.

Richard Clark, chairman, president and chief executive officer of Merck Sharpe and Dohme, added that this move, combined with strong sales of leading healthcare brands, will set the company in good stead for the coming year.

He added: “Our performance last quarter was characterised by strong growth in key brands and continued investment in our newest products and promising late-stage pipeline.”

Earlier this week, the pharmaceuticals firm appointed Bridgette Heller as its new executive vice-president and president of its consumer healthcare division.