Germany’s Schering AG this morning said it would be upping its forecast for the year after a strong six months during which net sales were boosted 6% to over 2.5 billion euros and operating profit jumped 12% above the previous year’s figure to 466 million euros. Net profit also pleased, up 23% to 320 million, helped by an exceptional sum relating to the sale of its stake in Medac GmbH in June [[10/06/05g]].

For 2005, Schering says it anticipates its operating margin will increase to between 16.5 and 17%, driven by high single-digit net sales of its multiple sclerosis drug Betaferon (interferon beta-1b) and good growth from its contraceptive Yasmin. The latter saw a 34% boost in net sales during the first six months to 256 million euros, while Betaferon reeled in 404 million – up 9%.

Nine-month results are due on October 24.