Positive sales growth for J&J in third quarter

Johnson & Johnson has announced its third quarter financial results, which saw a sales increase of 3.1% to the total of US $17.6 billion from the same period last year.

Positive contributors to these results were US sales of over-the-counter respiratory medicines, Tylenol and Motrin analgesics, as well as Aveeno skin care products and international baby care products.

Worldwide pharmaceutical sales represented an increase of 9.9% compared to the third quarter of 2012. This was largely attributed by the sales growth of schizophrenia treatment, Invega Sustenna / Xeplion (paliperidone palmitate), multiple myeloma drug Velcade (bortezomib), HIV treatment Prezista (darunavir), as well as Remicade (infliximab) and Simponi (golimumab), two biologics approved for the treatment of a number of immune-mediated inflammatory diseases.

"Our third-quarter results reflect the solid, demonstrable results in achieving our near-term priorities while also advancing our longer term strategic growth drivers. Our key products and successful new product launches delivered strong growth. We continue to progress our pipelines with a number of regulatory approvals, the submission of new drug applications, and execution of strategic collaborations. Our investments further strengthen our ability to deliver sustainable growth and bring meaningful innovations to patients and consumers."

Alex Gorsky, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer.

Following these positive results, J&J has increased its earnings guidance for full-year 2013 to $5.44 - $5.49 per share.