Ipsen posts 4.7% 1st-qtr sales growth

French drugmaker Ipsen (Euronext: IPN) this morning reported that consolidate group sales for the first quarter of 2016 grew 4.7% to 362.0 million euros ($405.6 million).

Specialty care sales rose 9.7% to 288.1 million, driven by accelerated growth of Somatuline in neuroendocrine tumours, while Primary care sales were down 11.0% to 73.9 million, impacted by the slowdown in international markets, the company noted.

Commenting on the first quarter 2016 performance, Marc de Garidel, chairman and chief executive of Ipsen said: “In the first quarter, the Group continued to benefit from the acceleration of the growth of Somatuline in neuroendocrine tumors, both in the United States and Europe. However, the environment in emerging markets, especially in China, is still adversely affecting the performance of Decapeptyl and the primary care.” Mr de Garidel added: “We are fully committed, upon regulatory approval, to preparing the upcoming commercial launches of cabozantinib in advanced renal cell carcinoma in Europe, and Dysport in pediatric lower limb spasticity in the United States.”