Almirall hails ‘good start’ to 2010

Almirall has expressed satisfaction with its financial performance in the first quarter of 2010 after reporting a year-on-year increase in income.

Although the pharmaceutical company’s 242.6 million euro (206.4 million pounds) quarterly sales total was down by one per cent compared to the first quarter of 2009, its normalized net income rose by three per cent, which was ahead of Almirall’s guidance.

Eduardo Sanchiz, chief executive financial officer of Almirall, said that the company’s performance is currently “on track”, highlighting its reduction in debts and healthy cash flow generation.

Its 2010 performance is also likely to receive a fillip from the upcoming launches of silodosin and Sativex, while Eklira and linaclotide have also progressed to phase III clinical development.

Mr Sanchiz said: “We keep our strategic priorities with continued focus on innovation and long-term growth.”

Earlier this month, the company marked the 20th anniversary of the launch of its antihistamine Ebastel, estimating that 3.5 billion doses of the drug have been administered to date.