Schering’s U.S. sales power first quarter

Sales of drugs and contrast agents in the U.S. drove German pharmaceuticals maker Schering to what it called an “exceptionally good” first quarter 2000, the company said last week.

U.S. sales grew by 49% to 231 million euros, accounting for 22% of Schering’s total sales, which were reported up 25% to 1.044 billion euros. Net profit was up 22% to 106 million euros ($97.5 million) in the period from January to March.

The company’s diagnostics division, which is one of the world’s largest makers of contrast agents, showed a sales increase of 27% to 295 million euros. Schering also makes a best-selling multiple sclerosis drug, Betaferon, and is a leading manufacturer of contraceptives and fertility drugs.