Port Klang – CCM Duopharma Biotech Berhad (CCMD) recorded a first quarter revenue of RM27.47 million for the period ended March 31, 2008 (Q108), down 2.2 per cent from RM28.11 million posted in the corresponding quarter in 2007.

Profit before tax (PBT) also fell 9.4 per cent in that quarter to RM9.85 million from RM10.87 million registered in the previous year. The decrease in PBT was mainly attributable to the increase in the prices of raw materials absorbed by the Company.

As compared to last quarter which recorded PBT of RM11.38m, the drop was mainly due to decrease in sales to the private market as well as government hospitals.

Earnings per share were down 7.9 per cent from 5.72 sen to 5.27 sen for the period under review.

In 2007 CCMD added the Chewies children’s chewable vitamins, Milidon paracetamol analgesics and Cosmos dietary supplements, to extend its product portfolio following the CCM Group’s acquisition of Malayan Pharmaceutical’s brands and assets. These products will effectively enrich CCMD’s over-the-counter (OTC) product offering and enhance opportunities to capture a bigger slice of the market.

Following the acquisition, CCMD embarked on a rebranding exercise led by the repackaging of Chewies to create product appeal and introduced Chewies the Lion mascot in April 2008 to demonstrate the brand’s attributes and values to the children while helping them to develop a healthy body and alert mind .

CCMD’s wide range of products is also marketed online through the PosOnline web site, in collaboration with PosNiaga eShop Among products available include Donna for effective relief of osteoarthritis symptoms and Natberry for relief of tired eyes. These products are also available through the Maybank2u.com Cybermall.

CCMD also obtained the Halal certification for 17 of its products. Tan Sri Dato Dr Abu Bakar said this would leverage CCMD’s halal credentials and accreditation by the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (JAKIM) to penetrate the lucrative halal market by offering consumers, both Muslims and non-Muslims the benefits of its health supplements. CCMD also showcased its products to foreign customers via its participation at the World Halal Forum. CCMD products were also exhibited at the Malaysia International Halal Showcase (MIHAS) to inform and educate consumers on the availability of quality halal pharmaceutical products.

“We are committed to improving our products and services to meet and exceed the consumers’ expectations. Through our investment in R&D efforts, we look forward to developing high quality and innovative products to strengthen our presence in the local and international pharmaceutical market,” said Tan Sri Dato’ Dr Abu Bakar.

Some of CCMD’s top OTC products in the market include Donna Forte 500mg, an extension of Donna 250mg, to treat symptoms of osteoarthritis, Diamelon which is derived from bitter gourd and is traditionally used to maintain general health and Legarin that contains silymarin to promote liver health.

The Board of Directors does not recommend payment of an interim dividend for this quarter.

CCM Duopharma Biotech Berhad is a subsidiary of CCM Berhad which is listed on the main board of Bursa Malaysia with a market capitalisation of RM1 billion and is a key player in the fertilizers, chemicals and pharmaceuticals industries.

ooOoo

Issued with the compliments of Chemical Company of Malaysia Berhad
For further information, please contact: Ida Fazila Ismail
 of Eric Pringle Associates Public Relations Sdn Bhd
at Tel No: 21617144 or email:ifazila@epapr.com.my