Merck Sharp and Dohme reports second quarter growth

Merck Sharp and Dohme has reported positive business growth during the second quarter of 2012.

The company generated $12.3 billion (7.84 billion pounds) during the period, up by one percent year on year, while earnings per share increased by 11 percent to $1.05.

Its pharmaceutical, animal health and consumer care divisions were all noted as contributors to the positive growth, with double-digit increases in sales observed for its drugs Januvia, Janumet, Victrelis, Isentress, Gardasil and Zostavax.

The firm also experienced encouraging progress with its pipeline developments and expects six major filings over the next 18 months, including suvorexant for insomnia and odanacatib for osteoporosis.

Kenneth Frazier, chairman and chief executive officer of Merck, said: "We achieved top and bottom-line growth by advancing our core strategy and maintaining momentum across our businesses."

Last week, the company announced new licensing deals with Chimerix and Yamasa Corporation for a pair of investigational HIV drug candidates.