Cubist reports profit increase

Lexington biotechnology company Cubist Pharmaceuticals Inc. said first-quarter profit more than tripled, helped by higher demand for its products in the United States.

Cubist markets Cubicin, an antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections of the skin.

(At left, a company researcher holds up a product sample.)

Net income rose to $17.9 million from $5.6 million.

Revenue rose 48 percent to $88.3 million from $59.5 million last year, while analysts predicted revenue of $86.2 million.

US product revenue rose 50 percent to $86.1 million, while European sales edged down 6 percent to $1.8 million. (AP)