OSI reports increased sales for Tarceva

Melville-based OSI Pharmaceuticals Inc. on Tuesday disclosed sales figures for its lung and pancreatic cancer drug Tarceva for the quarter ending Dec. 31, saying sales increased 17 percent in the United States and 7 percent worldwide, compared to the same quarter last year.

The numbers were based on information provided to OSI by its partner, Roche, based in Switzerland.

For the quarter, U.S. net sales of the drug, were about $137 million, compared to $117 million for the same quarter last year.

Net sales outside the United States were about $196 million, a 17 percent increase over the same period last year.

Total worldwide net sales of Tarceva for 2009 were about $1.2 billion, representing a 7 percent growth in global sales compared to 2008. The U.S. component of the total sales was about $479 million, and sales outside the United States were more than $720 million.

OSI will present fourth-quarter and year-end Tarceva sales data Tuesday during an investment presentation in San Francisco. The company will provide full fourth-quarter and year-end financial results at a later date.