Belgian firm Solvay has released its results for 2005 with pharmaceutical sales up 30 per cent to 2.27 billion euros.

The company as a whole had profits of 816 million euros for the year.

In the pharmaceutical sector sales were helped in Europe by the purchase of the French firm Fournier Pharma.

A company statement said: "The performance of fenofibrate, Fournier Pharma's 'blockbuster', was remarkable and above our expectations."

Sales in cardiometabolics doubled with the integration of fenofibrates from Fournier Pharma.

Teveten (eprosartan mesylate) sales increased by 26 per cent and neuroscience improved by 19 per cent down to the growth of the Meniere's disease treatment Serc (betahistine dihydrochloride) and Marinol.

Strong growth in Influvac sales, beating the 100 million euro barrier, fuelled influenza vaccines growth.

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