Sales of Lucentis ranibizumab have grown to $2.9
billion in 2010 since the drug was approved for age-related macular
degeneration in the U.S. in June 2006 and the EU in January 2007.
Year-over-year sales growth has started to slow, with total 2010 sales up 20%
vs. a 35% increase in 2009 and a 46% increase in 2008.
For 1Q11, the Genentech Inc. unit of Roche
(SIX:ROG; OTCQX:RHHBY) reported U.S. sales of CHF392 million ($428 million), up
35% from 1Q10 in constant currencies. Novartis AG (NYSE:NVS; SIX:NOVN)
reported ex-U.S. sales of $444 million, up 18% in constant currencies. (A)
Lucentis was approved in Switzerland and India in 2006; $B; Source:
Genentech, Roche, Novartis earnings statements
