Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. (TEVA) reported earnings of 89 cents in the third quarter of 2009, up 16% from the year-ago period and a cent above the Zacks Consensus Estimate. Strong sales of Copaxone and in the respiratory business helped drive earnings in the reported quarter. Net sales increased 25% to $3.55 billion, with the Barr acquisition contributing to sales across different geographical segments. The strengthening U.S. dollar adversely impacted net sales by $160 million or 6%. Revenue performance across key business segments was mixed. While the Pharmaceuticals Sales segment posted growth of 27% with revenues coming in at $3.4 billion, the active pharmaceutical ingredients (API) segment reported an 8% decline in growth with sales coming in at $136 million. Pharmaceutical segment sales were driven by strong performances in the North American, European and International segments. The launch of generic versions of Ortho Tri-Cyclen Lo ...

It seems that the swine flu pandemic has attracted many large pharmaceutical players towards the vaccine business, the latest being Johnson & Johnson (JNJ). Yesterday, J&J acquired an 18% stake in a Netherlands-based biotech company, Crucell NV, for $440 million. The deal will primarily focus on developing a universal vaccine for influenza treatment using Crucell's genetically engineered antibody technology. Additionally, vaccines for other diseases will be developed in due course. Following the deal, J&J’s per-share earnings will be reduced by 2 cents to 4 cents in 2009. Per the deal, Crucell will retain the European marketing right for the vaccine which will be jointly produced by the companies, while Johnson & Johnson will market the vaccine in the rest of the world. Accordingly, Crucell is eligible to receive royalties on global sales. Although the vaccine influenza vaccine is still in an early stage of development, ...