Biotechnology company Crucell NV (CRXL) Tuesday posted a narrowing second-quarter net loss, and confirmed its outlook for 2009 as its children's vaccine Quinvaxem continued to boost revenue.

The company, which makes vaccines for influenza, children's diseases and hepatitis B, reported a second quarter net loss of EUR1.8 million, after a net loss of EUR7.4 million a year earlier.

The loss was due to high income tax charges and strong local currencies in South Korea and Sweden, where Crucell has research & development and manufacturing facilities. The stronger currencies also pressured margins, the company added.

However, second-quarter operating profit swung into a profit of EUR3.2 million, from a loss of EUR9 million a year earlier. Strong sales of Quinvaxem, a vaccine for protection against five potentially deadly childhood diseases, also boosted revenue 32% to EUR78.7 million.

Crucell reiterated its guidance for 2009, saying it expects combined full-year 2009 revenue to grow by 20% at constant currencies and that operating profit will "improve significantly" compared to 2008.

Crucell shares closed at EUR17.40 Monday and have gained nearly 60% year-to-date. In January, Crucell pulled out of friendly takeover talks with U.S.-based Wyeth (WYE), which is now set to merge with Pfizer Inc. (PFE).

Company Web site: http://www.crucell.com

-By Maarten van Tartwijk; Dow Jones Newswires; +31 20 571 5201; maarten.vantartwijk@dowjones.com