Germany-based pharmaceutical giant Bayer AG (VIE: BAYN) released its Q2 2022 financial report, revealing a global sales growth of 9.6% year-on-year (YOY) in constant exchange rate terms to EUR12.8 billion (USD13 billion). The growth was driven by strong performances in the Pharmaceuticals and Consumer Health segments.
Pharmaceuticals and Consumer Health
In the Pharmaceuticals segment, sales reached EUR4.82 billion (USD4.9 billion), marking a 2.1% increase. Consumer Health sales grew by 6.8% to EUR1.5 billion (USD1.52 billion). The top-selling drugs during the quarter included anticoagulant Xarelto (rivaroxaban), ophthalmic injection Eylia/Eylea (aflibercept), contraceptive Jaydess (levonorgestrel), and antihypertensive Adalat (nifedipine). These drugs generated global sales of EUR1.1 billion (USD1.1 billion), EUR807 million (USD821 million), EUR306 million (USD311 million), and EUR212 million (USD216 million), respectively.
China’s VBP Pressures
Similar to Q1, China’s volume-based procurement (VBP) tendering for Xarelto and cancer drug Nexavar (sorafenib) held back global sales growth for the entire division in Q2 and the first half of the year. However, newly launched prostate cancer drug Nubeqa (darolutamide) and kidney disease preventive Kerendia (finerenone) were identified as growth drivers for the global pharma business. In the Asia-Pacific region, Pharma sales increased by 2.1% YOY to EUR1.55 billion (USD1.57 billion), while Consumer Health grew by 3.0% to EUR238 million (USD293 million).
Strong Volume Growth in China
Despite VBP pressures, there was strong volume growth in China for heart disease treatment Adalat (nifedipine), heart attack preventive Aspirin Cardio (acetylsalicylic acid), and liver cancer drug Stivarga (regorafenib).
Significant Approvals and Filings in China
In terms of significant approvals and filings in China during the period, Kerendia gained its first market approval in June for the treatment of chronic kidney disease associated with type 2 diabetes, to reduce the risk of end-stage kidney disease. This approval was supported by the Phase III FIDELIO-DKD trial. In May, Verquvo (vericiguat) was approved for adults with symptomatic chronic heart failure and reduced ejection fraction (less than 45%) who are stabilized after a recent decompensation event with intravenous therapy, to reduce the risk of further emergency care.
Upcoming Filings
Bayer currently has two more significant filings under review in China. Nubeqa has been filed for its first approval in prostate cancer, while Xarelto is seeking approval for a new indication in peripheral artery disease (PAD).-Fineline Info & Tech
