Boehringer Ingelheim reports strong growth in first half

Boehringer Ingelheim has reported encouraging sales figures from the first half of the 2011 fiscal year.

The pharmaceutical company generated a net sales total of 6.4 billion euros (5.6 billion pounds), representing a four percent year over year increase in local currency terms, which was in line with internal forecasts.

Prescription medicine sales were broadly level with last year's, although improved demand was noted for new products such as Pradaxa, Twynsta and Tradjenta, as well as established brands including Spiriva and Micardis.

Meanwhile, many of its specialty business units saw double-digit increases, including the consumer healthcare and industrial customer divisions.

Professor Andreas Barner, chairman of the board of managing directors at Boehringer Ingelheim, said: "We are pleased that Boehringer Ingelheim has further developed positively in line with our expectations, particularly also through innovative medications that are ready for the market."

Earlier this month, the company announced that its drug Pradaxa has been approved in Europe as a means of preventing stroke in patients with atrial fibrillation.