Biopharma's blue chip companies maintained their strong run this year, with the BioWorld Biopharmaceutical index recording a 3 percent jump in value in July, bringing its year-to date increase to 18 percent. Helping maintain the group's momentum have been strong, better-than-expected second-quarter financial results, particularly from Gilead Sciences Inc. and Vertex Pharmaceuticals Inc., whose share values surged on the news.