Human Genome Sciences reports 1Q profit

ROCKVILLE, Md. (AP) — Biotechnology company Human Genome Sciences Inc. reported a first-quarter profit Wednesday on sales of its anthrax treatment ABthrax to the U.S. government.

The company earned $129.8 million, or 85 cents per share, compared with a loss of $52.7 million, or 39 cents per share, during the same period a year prior. Revenue surged to $177.3 million from $12.3 million, mainly because of ABthrax sales.

Human Genome is under contract to deliver doses of the drug for the U.S. Strategic National Stockpile, which the government would use in the event of a national emergency.

Analysts polled by Thomson Reuters expected profit of 54 cents per share on revenue of $150.4 million.

Meanwhile, the company is developing the hepatitis C drug Albuferon and lupus drug LymphoStat-B.

Shares of Human Genome Sciences rose 18 cents, or 13 percent, to $1.57 in after-hours trading after rising 6 cents, or 4.5 percent, to close the regular trading session at $1.39.