Baxter reports first quarter sales growth for 2013

Baxter has reported its financial results for the first quarter of 2013, which were in line with the company's previously-stated expectations.

The firm's worldwide sales for the period came to $3.45 billion (2.27 billion pounds), up by two percent year-on-year, while a number of key clinical and strategic milestones were achieved during the quarter.

For example, progress was made on the planned acquisition of the global medical technology firm Gambro and regulatory filings for new therapies for haemophilia and immunodeficiencies were accepted.

Baxter has now confirmed its guidance for the full-year period, while also predicting sales growth of four percent for the second quarter of 2013.

Robert Parkinson Jr, chairman and chief executive officer at Baxter, said: "Baxter's global portfolio remains strong as we benefit from our focus on life-saving therapies, achieve important new product milestones and make select investments to position our company for future success and accelerated growth."

This comes after the firm marked World Haemophilia Day earlier this week by underlining its ongoing commitment to improving care quality for this patient group.