Bristol-Meyers Squibb (BMS) had an 8 percent increase in worldwide sales of virology drugs, such as the HIV drug Reyataz and the hepatitis B drug Baraclude, in the third quarter of 2010, The Wall Street Journal reports. Overall for the quarter, profit fell slightly and total sales were flat. The increase has raised executive’s hopes about the high revenue potential in infectious disease medications. Executives viewed it as a solid business prospect because they believe the numbers of people living with HIV isn’t affected by the economy and there is a great need for effective treatments. Like Johnson & Johnson, BMS also has hopes for the development of new hepatitis C treatments.

To read the Journal article, click here.