Shire’s annual revenues up 23 percent

Shire has reported a 23 percent year-on-year increase in revenues for 2011, with its full-year income surpassing the $4 billion (2.5 billion pounds) mark for the first time.

The speciality biopharmaceutical firm said its sales were boosted by growing use of its ADHD drugs and the increased production of medicines to treat rare diseases.

Revenues totalled $4.263 million for the year, with sales of Shire's recently released ADHD medicine Vyvanse growing by 27 percent to reach $805 million.

"Our strategy of focusing on meeting the needs of patients, physicians and payers to deliver value to the healthcare system has led to growing sales across our balanced portfolio," said chief executive Angus Russell.

He added that the firm expects 2012 to bring "good earnings growth" and increased value for shareholders.

According to Reuters, shares in Shire rose by 0.5 percent to 2,185 pence following the publication of the results on Thursday (February 9th).