Nycomed says it has made good start to 2009

Nycomed made a good start to the year, it has stated.

The company published its first quarter 2009 financial results, showing net turnover had increased to 839.9 million euros (732.5 million pounds).

Compared to the same period last year, this was a growth of 1.2 per cent and the results were primarily down to solid sales performance of its main product Pantoprazole.

Hakan Bjorklund, chief executive officer of the company, explained the global economic downturn had impacted the business, adding the trading environment will remain challenging for the rest of the year.

“We believe our strategy of identifying and in-licensing promising new products and expanding our focus on emerging markets, such as the Asia-Pacific region, positions us well for continued success in 2009 and beyond,” he asserted.

Mr Bjorklund concluded the progress of Daxas – which is intended to treat chronic obstructive pulmonary disease – will be one of its most significant developments over the next few months.

Nycomed submitted a marketing authorisation application for the drug to the European Medicines Agency earlier this month.