HPV test brings Digene to profit:
This article was originally published in Clinica
Executive Summary
Digene (Gaithersburg, Maryland) has reported its first profitable quarter as it saw strong growth in sales of its human papillomavirus (HPV) test. The test gained approval in the US as a primary screening tool for cervical cancer five months ago. The company reported net income of $0.3m in the fourth quarter ended June 30, on sales up by 50% to $19.1m. HPV test sales rose by 68% to $16m. The company is building up its sales presence in Europe and elsewhere and expects 2004 full-year sales to reach $90-95m. 2003 sales were $63m (+29%), with a net loss of $4.3m.