Merck Sharpe and Dohme reports strong third quarter performance

Merck Sharpe and Dohme has expressed satisfaction with its business performance in the third quarter of 2010.

The company accrued $11.1 billion (6.9 billion pounds) in total sales for the quarter, demonstrating significant growth a year on from the completion of its merger with Schering-Plough.

During the period, the firm experienced strong sales of key pharmaceutical products, as well as launching several new treatments, such as the atrial fibrillation drug Brinavess.

Developmental milestones for newer drugs such as odanacatib and boceprevir were achieved, while the company has also been able to reduce business costs and raise its full-year earnings guidance.

Richard Clark, chairman and chief executive officer of Merck Sharpe and Dohme, said: "One year later, Merck is a much stronger unified organisation that is well-positioned for the future."

In September 2010, the company was awarded the prestigious Prix Galien USA 2010 Award for best biotechnology product, in recognition of its rotavirus vaccine Rotateq.