NAPSR News: Roche’s Oncology Portfolio Propels Sales Growth

WASHINGTON - Oct. 17, 2014 - PRLog -- Roche revealed an impressive financial report for their third quarter with notable sales growth in the pharmaceuticals division.  Group sales were 11.78 billion Swiss francs ( $12.5 billion) up 5% compared to last year.  Sales in the pharmaceuticals sector rose 1.1% to 9.13 billion francs from 9.03 billion francs in 2013. Roche’s oncology portfolio was a key contributor to the sales growth; the primary contributors were medicines for HER2-positive breast cancer, these include Herceptin, Perjeta and Kadcyla.

Herceptin’s global sales rose 9% to 1.6 billion francs. The two newer breast cancer therapies Perjeta and Kadcyla, posted impressive sales of 144 million francs (+103%) and 254 million francs (+227%) respectively. Other growth drivers include Avastin, recently approved in August for advanced cervical cancer and Xolair due to its newly approved indication to treat a form of chronic hives.  The company’s  rheumatoid arthritis drug Actemra/RoActemra,  also posted strong sales in all major markets (United States +31%; Europe +22%; International region +17%; Japan +23%).

Roche CEO Severin Schwan said: “Demand for our products is strong in both divisions and we are well on track to reach our full-year targets. We have had positive news from our product pipeline, including study results for Perjeta in breast cancer and a new combination therapy with Zelboraf in melanoma. The InterMune acquisition has also strengthened our portfolio with a new medicine, Esbriet for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, which has now been approved by the FDA. In Diagnostics, growth continues to be driven by the immunodiagnostics business and we have strengthened our molecular diagnostics portfolio with a new generation of testing systems.”

CANDIDATES WHO WANT TO BREAK INTO PHARMACEUTICAL SALES!

With such industry leaders posting gains in profitability, they will need both certified and qualified individuals to promote their diversified product portfolio. When industry leaders look for new candidates for sales/marketing positions, they look toward individuals that are industry trained. Companies are looking for people that have the background to market their product both proficiently and efficiently.

The CNPR is a federally trademarked certification you can earn by demonstrating the necessary knowledge in pharmacology, medical terminology, physiology, and regulations for selling pharmaceuticals. The CNPR examination is dedicated to increasing the professional level of NAPSR members and to developing meaningful and ethical standards fully accepted by both its members and members of the pharmaceutical community.

The CNPR® Program represents a level of industry achievement and a demonstrated knowledge of pharmacology, medical terminology, pharmaceutical selling guidelines, physician selling techniques and industry standards. Pharmaceutical sales candidates who have this training will differentiate themselves from other individuals looking for open positions. Upon successful completion of the training each student will receive the Certification Mark of the CNPR®. CNPR® graduates should immediately utilize the NAPSRx® Career Center to apply for pharmaceutical sales positions.

Individuals that are interested in becoming a Certified National Pharmaceutical Representative (CNPR) can contact the National Association of Pharmaceutical Sales Representatives(NAPSRx) for more information or visit the website at http://napsronline.org/