Summary Box: Drugmakers post higher Q2 results, despite health reform, EU economic pressures
HEALTHY SIGNS: Three of the Top 20 drugmakers — Bristol-Myers Squibb Co., Roche Holding AG and Eli Lilly and Co. — all post better second-quarter profit as their sales increase.
UNDER PRESSURE: Revenue across the industry is being squeezed by the U.S. health care overhaul, the European economic crisis, shifting currency exchange rates and generic competition. The impact of the first two likely will increase later this year and next year.
NO WORRIES: The three companies seek to reassure investors by confirming or increasing previous profit forecasts for this year.
Copyright 2010 AP News
