Shire reports best-ever sales performance in 2010

Shire has hailed 2010 as an "outstanding year" for the company after it posted its best-ever full-year fiscal performance.

The pharmaceutical manufacturer's total product sales rose by 16 percent year-on-year to reach $3.13 billion (1.95 billion pounds), breaking past the $3 billion mark for the first time.

This growth was driven by a 34 percent increase in core product sales, with strong performances by treatments such as Intuniv, Vyvanse, Vpriv and Replagal highlighted.

In addition, Shire was able to expand its operations via the acquisition of Movetis and the licensing of a new Duchenne muscular dystrophy drug from Acceleron.

Angus Russell, chief executive officer of Shire, said: "We look forward to continuing this success as we build on the strength of our business model and plan for further good growth in the year ahead."

Earlier this month, the company strengthened the leadership team for its specialty pharmaceuticals business by appointing Dr Lawson Macartney and Dr Mario Saltarelli to key roles.