Cambridge based bioscience firm Abcam reported 35.4% increase in first half profit after strong demand for its antibodies products from its main market the US and newer markets such as China. The group, which markets antibodies through its own online catalogue, said pre-tax profit rose to £15.2m for the six months ended 31 December compared with £11.2m the same period a year earlier. Revenue rose 23.7% to £39.4m. Gross margin increased to 66.8% compared with 66.2% for the same period last year. Abcam, which carries out cancer, stem cell and cardiovascular research, said its catalogue grew by 19.3% to 69,160 products. Chief executive officer Jonathan Milner commented, "Whilst the number of core primary antibodies in our online catalogue has increased significantly during the half year, it is pleasing to note that the number of secondary antibodies and other products has grown rapidly, broadening our product offering." Milner added, "Trading in the second half of the year has started well, and we have a good pipeline of potential additions to our catalogue. However, we remain aware that there is still pressure on Western governments to reduce budget deficits, which may result in reduced research funding in certain markets." An interim of 1.45p per share has been recommended, up 33.8% from last time.