Celgene Corp has posted an impressive set of financials for the third quarter, driven by strong performances of its multiple myeloma drugs Revlimid and Pomalyst.

Net income came in at $508 million, up from $372 million last year, while revenues increased 18% to $1.98 billion. Revlimid (lenalidomide), which is also approved for myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS), generated $1.30 billion, up 19%, although Vidaza (azacitidine), which is approved for MDS and acute myeloid leukaemia, fell 28% to $158 million due to generic competition in the USA.

The breast and lung cancer drug Abraxane (nab-paclitaxel) saw sales leap 25% to $212 million, helped by launches on both sides of the Atlantic for pancreatic cancer. Celgene's new myeloma drug Pomalyst/Imnovid (pomalidomide) brought in $181 million, up 102%.

In its first full quarter as a treatment for psoriatic arthritis, sales of Otezla (apremilast) were $18 million. The drug was approved for psoriasis in September.

Chief executive Bob Hugin said “we delivered outstanding third-quarter results setting up a strong finish to 2014”. He added that upcoming US and European clinical and regulatory milestones “and the meaningful progress we are making with our pipeline strengthen our position for future growth and success”.