Barr second-quarter earnings show impressive jump from year-ago

WOODCLIFF LAKE, N.J. Barr Pharmaceuticals posted impressive second-quarter earnings, with generic sales increasing to $487 million, compared with $222 million during the second quarter of last year.

In addition, during the first half of 2007, generic sales increased to $961 million, compared with $423 million during the same period last year. The sales jump was primarily driven by the company’s acquisition of Pliva, as the Croatian drugmaker allowed Barr to sell products outside the U.S., a practice in which it had not previously engaged. Pliva’s generic sales in Europe and elsewhere were $191 million during the second quarter.

U.S. sales numbers increased from $222 million during the second quarter of 2006 to $296 million during the second quarter of this year. The increase was also related to sales of Pliva products, as well as strong generic Actiq (fentanyl citrate) sales, the company said.

In addition, generic oral contraceptives saw $116 million in sales during the second quarter, compared with $107 million during the year-ago period.