Regeneron Pharmaceuticals’ 4th-quarter loss widens on research and development costs

Regeneron Pharma 4Q loss widens on costs

TARRYTOWN, N.Y. — Biotechnology company Regeneron Pharmaceuticals Inc. said Thursday its fourth-quarter loss widened on a surge in research, development and other expenses.

The company lost $36.5 million, or 46 cents per share, compared with a loss of $29.5 million, or 37 cents per share, during the same period a year earlier. Revenue rose 73 percent to $96.8 million from $55.8 million, mainly on higher collaboration payments.

Analysts polled by Thomson Reuters expected a loss of 34 cents per share on revenue of $96.1 million.

Expenses rose 54 percent to $136.2 million, mainly on higher costs for drug development. The company’s programs include potential treatments for gout, cancer and vision loss.

For the full year, the company lost $67.8 million, or 85 cents per share, compared with a loss of $79.1 million, or $1 per share, in 2008. Revenue rose to $379.3 million from $238.5 million.

Regeneron shares fell 25 cents to $30.21 in morning trading.