Johnson & Johnson expects to launch 80 new medical devices through 2012

J&J expects 80 new medical devices through 2012

NEW YORK — Health care products maker Johnson & Johnson said Thursday it plans to launch 80 new products from its medical devices and diagnostics unit through 2012 and plans to expand in markets including biosurgicals and electrophysiology.

The company said the unit generated sales of $23.6 billion last year, or 38 percent of total revenue, making it Johnson & Johnson’s largest business segment. The division has received more than a dozen regulatory approvals so far in 2010.

The unit includes Cordis — which focuses on heart conditions — the spinal and orthopedics care franchise Depuy, Ethicon surgical products, contact lenses and other franchises.

Overall, Johnson & Johnson said it dominates about 62 percent of the $350 billion worldwide medical device and diagnostics market, according to documents posted on the company’s website. J&J expects medical device sales to grow an average of 6 percent each year through 2014.

During the first quarter, Johnson & Johnson’s revenue rose 4 percent to $15.63 billion due to a 4 percent boost from mostly favorable currency exchange rates. However, medical devices outperformed other units, with sales up 8 percent excluding rates.

The company hosted a review of its medical device and diagnostics unit for investors in New Brunswick, N.J., on Thursday.

Shares of Johnson & Johnson rose 4 cents to close at $59.77.