Sepracor reports tripling of profit

Sepracor Inc. said fourth-quarter profit nearly tripled on strong sales and lower sales and marketing costs.

Net income grew to $99.1 million, or 85 cents per share, from $36.9 million, or 31 cents per share, in the year-earlier period.

Revenue rose 15 percent to $357.2 million, from $311.1 million. The company's line of Xopenex asthma medications accounted for $200.8 million in sales, and sleep aid Lunesta accounted for $148 million in the latest quarter.

Sales and marketing costs fell by 16 percent, to $167.9 million.

For the full year, the company posted net income of $184.6 million, or $1.60 per share, up from $3.9 million, or 3 cents per share, in 2005.
(AP)