Astellas publishes annual report

Astellas Pharma has published its annual report for the fiscal year ending March 31st 2007.

During the year the company generated revenues of 920.6 billion yen ($7,802 million), a rise from the 879.4 billion yen recorded for 2006.

Net income for the year increased from 103.7 million yen last year to 131.3 million yen, with net income per share up from 183.88 yen to 244.07 yen.

In the fiscal year ended March 2007, Astellas introduced its Vision 2015 long-term management strategy, in addition to its five-year medium-term plan taking the company to the end of its 2010 fiscal year.

The firm reports that in addition to these medium and long-term visions, it seeks to continue its marketing activities and proactive research and development investment in the short term to strengthen its business foundation.

Masafumi Nogimori, president and chief executive officer of the firm, said: “Astellas made significant strides during fiscal 2006 – the second business year following the merger – in building a base from which it can fully launch itself as a global player in the ethical pharmaceuticals market.”

He added that a year after being appointed president of the firm, he is more confident than ever before regarding the future prospects of the business.

At the start of this month, Astellas announced plans to reorganise a number of its European operations, with consolidation of its development, sales and marketing units from Germany into those in the UK and Netherlands.