How Did AstraZeneca’s CVRM and Respiratory Products Perform?
Brilinta’s sales increased by 13.0% to $316.0 million, and Farxiga’s sales grew 34.0% to $340.0 million in the second quarter.
Aug. 27 2018, Updated 2:00 a.m. ET
CVRM
Under AstraZeneca’s (AZN) cardiovascular, renal, and metabolic (or CVRM) therapeutic products, Brilinta and Farxiga delivered double-digit growth. However, Crestor’s sales slumped due to a loss of exclusivity.
Brilinta’s sales increased by 13.0% to $316.0 million, and Farxiga’s sales grew 34.0% to $340.0 million in the second quarter. Sales of Onglyza and Crestor declined by 18.0% to $126.0 million and by 42.0% to $338.0 million, respectively, in the second quarter. The strong Brilinta performance was driven by growth in the emerging markets and volume growth in the US market.
On the back of ongoing launches and increased patient access, Farxiga registered strong growth in the emerging markets. The decline in Crestor’s sales has been due to higher generic competition in the United States, Japan, and Europe. In China, on the other hand, Crestor’s sales have increased due to strong demand and the company’s focus on broader coverage. Total CVRM product sales decreased by 11.0% YoY (year-over-year) to $1.62 billion during the second quarter.
Respiratory
AstraZeneca’s respiratory product sales increased by 7.0% year-over-year to $1.23 billion in the second quarter. This growth came from strong Pulmicort, Tudorza, and Duaklir sales and was partially offset by lower Symbicort sales.
Symbicort sales declined by 8.0% to $672.0 million in the second quarter. Sales of Pulmicort, Tudorza, and Duaklir increased by 20.0%, 12.0%, and 31.0%, respectively, to $287.0 million, $39.0 million and $22.0 million, respectively, in the second quarter.
Symbicort sales have seen a decline in the United States market and growth in emerging markets and Europe. The company expects pricing pressure on the drug to continue. Symbicort is a leader by volume in the global market in the inhaled corticosteroid (or LCS) class.
Growth in Pulmicort’s sales was due to strong performance in emerging markets, particularly China.
We’ll analyze the performance of AstraZeneca’s geographic segments in the next part.