Genzyme Reports Solid Financial Results for the First Quarter of 2009
Genzyme Corp. (NASDAQ: GENZ) reported that first-quarter revenue rose to $1.15 billion, compared with $1.10 billion in the same period a year ago, an increase of 4 percent. Including the $66 million impact of unfavorable currency exchange rates, revenue grew 10 percent in the first quarter. GAAP net income rose 35 percent to $195.5 million, or $0.70 per diluted share, compared with $145.3 million, or $0.52 per diluted share, in the first quarter of 2008. Non-GAAP net income grew 10 percent to $288.1 million, or $1.04 per diluted share, compared with $260.9 million, or $0.95 per diluted share, in the same period last year.
The Roche Group recorded total sales of 11.6 billion Swiss francs in the first quarter of 2009, an increase of 8% in local currencies (7% in Swiss francs; -1% in US dollars)1 compared with the year-earlier period. Growth was driven mainly by continued strong sales of key products in the Group's oncology, virology, ophthalmology and inflammation portfolios, and of Roche Diagnostics' immunoassay systems.
GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) has received a non-prescription licence for alli (orlistat 60mg); the first time the European Commission has approved a non-prescription product for weight loss. The centrally approved marketing authorisation means GSK can introduce alli for adults with a BMI of 28 kg/m2 or more, in all 27 EU member countries.
Abbott has announced financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2009. Diluted earnings per share, excluding specified items, were $0.73, reflecting 15.9 percent growth, and $0.03 above the mid-point of Abbott's previous first-quarter guidance range. Diluted earnings per share under Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) were $0.92, up 53.3 percent.
Pfizer Inc announced has become the first pharmaceutical company to be accredited by the Association for the Accreditation of Human Research Protection Programs (AAHRPP) for ensuring the protection of human subjects taking part in early-stage clinical trials. 
Shareholders of Merck KGaA approved a dividend of € 1.50 per share for 2008 at the company's Annual General Meeting held at the Jahrhunderthalle in Frankfurt. This corresponds to an increase of 25% over the previous year (2007: € 1.20 plus a special dividend) and a total payout of about €°326°million (based on the theoretical number of shares). 