IMS, a leading market research firm, says U.S. prescription drug sales grew 5.4 percent to $251.8 billion in 2005. That compares to $238.9 billion in sales in 2004. The volume of total U.S. dispensed prescriptions was up significantly over 2004, growing 4.7 percent. “The pharmaceutical market continues to experience solid growth and is poised for stronger returns in 2006,” said Diana Conmy, corporate director, Market Insights, IMS. “Prescription volumes are increasing, demonstrating growing demand for pharmaceutical products at lower prices than the market has sustained in the past. We expect this trend to continue throughout this year as millions of seniors begin receiving prescription drug coverage under Medicare.”