“Improvements in our gross margin rate will continue to be a focus for the company over the next few years as we execute on our recently announced Manufacturing Optimization Program.”

In context

“trong commercial execution across the enterprise, resulting in 14% operational revenue growth in the quarter. Performance was positively impacted by our continued focus on key products and geographies; refined allocation of commercial field resources globally; and further optimization of our marketing resources into key priority areas. Contributing to this performance was our acquired products from Seagen as well as Nurtec, alongside in-line products Vyndaqel, Eliquis and Xtandi. As expected, dampening our growth in the quarter were Xeljanz and Ibrance. Adjusted Gross Margin for the second quarter was 79%, compared to 76% last year, and was primarily the result of favorable sales mix from our non-COVID products, as well as continued strong cost management across our manufacturing network. Improvements in our gross margin rate will continue to be a focus for the company over the next few years as we execute on our recently announced Manufacturing Optimization Program. This new program and together with our cost realignment program is focused on returning the company to pre-pandemic operating margins on a mix adjusted basis excluding Comirnaty. Phase 1 of the Manufacturing Optimization Program, which focuses on operational efficiencies, is well underway now. This first phase is expected to deliver approximately $1.5 billion in savings by the end of 2027, some of which is anticipated to be realized beginning in 2025. Total Adjusted operating expenses increased by 5% operationally to $6.3 billion and include spending from our legacy Seagen business. Looking at the components, adjusted SI&A expenses increased 8% driven primarily by marketing and promotional expenses for recently launched as well as acquired products. Adjusted R&D expenses increased 2% oper”