1st-qtr sales at Ipsen leap 19%

French drugmaker Ipsen (Euronext: IPSEY) today announced consolidated group sales for the first quarter of 2017 of 438.0 million ($476.5 million), a rise of 19.1% on the like year-earlier period, with the news sending its shares up 2.8% at 102.70 euros late morning, having hit 104.00 euros at the start of trading.

The sales increase was driven by Specialty Care growth of 25.4% to 366.5 million euros, including growth of 86.3%from North America.

Commenting on the performance, chief executive David Meek said: “In the first quarter, Specialty Care continued to drive remarkable organic top-line growth for Ipsen, led by the outstanding performance of Somatuline, both in the United States and Europe, as well as a strong acceleration for Dysport. We continue to face headwinds in certain emerging markets for our Consumer Healthcare business.”