Johnson and Johnson sees rising medical device sales in 2010

Johnson and Johnson has seen an improved sales performance for its medical devices and diagnostics division in 2010.

Data from the group's full-year financial report shows that sales in this category advanced by 4.4 percent year-on-year to a total of $24.6 billion (15.5 billion pounds).

International sales demonstrated stronger growth than those in the US, with key contributors including Ethicon's surgical care products, DePuy's orthopaedic joint reconstruction and sports medicine range and Biosense Webster's electrophysiology offerings.

The medical device product revenue contributed to an overall group sales total of $15.6 billion for the 12 months.

William Weldon, chairman and chief executive officer of Johnson and Johnson, said: "Although 2010 was a challenging year, the business continued to deliver earnings growth, while investing in the future and emerging a stronger organisation."

Last month, the firm announced the promotion of Alex Gorsky, its former worldwide chairman for medical devices and diagnostics, to the role of vice chairman of the executive committee.