Ipsen says 2007 sales up 6.8 percent

PARIS, Jan 31 (Reuters) - French biotechnology firm Ipsen (IPN.PA) said its group sales for 2007 were 920.5 million euros, up 6.8 percent.

It said the increase was fuelled by strong growth in endocrinology and neuromuscular disorders businesses, up 19.7 percent and 13.6 percent respectively.

It added that there a strong performance of gastroenterology products in international markets, up 9.2 percent, partly offset by slower sales in France, notably of Tanakan and Ginkor Fort.

These products suffer from volume decreases as well as price cuts respectively enforced in July 2007 and March 2006. (Reporting by Marcel Michelson; Editing by Paul Bolding)