CCM Duopharma Biotech Berhad (CCMD) recorded a 23 per cent and 17 per cent increase in revenue and profit before tax (PBT) of RM34.1 million and RM11 million respectively for the second quarter ended 30 June 2009 compared to its first quarter performance mainly due to increased sales to public institutional and private health sectors. 

The Company’s revenue and PBT also grew from RM33.5 million and RM10.8 million respectively in the corresponding quarter in 2008.

For the current financial period ended 30 June 2009, the Board of Directors is recommending an interim tax exempt dividend of 12% (6 sen) per share based on paid up capital of approximately 139.4 million shares at par value of RM0.50 each {2008: 16% (8 sen)}.

The proposed dividend is lower than last year’s corresponding period mainly due to CCMD’s CAPEX requirement in constructing new warehousing facilities and also staff amenities. The book closure date in respect of the interim tax exempt dividend is on 5 October 2009 and the dividend will be paid on 23 October 2009.

Following the growing number of influenza A (H1N1) cases and deaths in Malaysia, CCMD has launched Omiflu, a generic Oseltamivir (Tamiflu), an anti-viral drug to treat infections due to the influenza virus. The Omiflu capsule of 75mg contains oseltamivir phosphate 98.5mg which slows down the rate at which influenza virus infects cells in the body and reduces the symptoms to give the body a better chance of fighting the virus. Oseltamivir (Omiflu) is an effective and affordable anti-viral medication for treating flu.

Additionally, the Company is on track to establish the first inert vaccines fill and finish facility in the ASEAN region by the fourth quarter of 2009. The RM7 million facility is suitable for the vialling of CCMD’s bulk vaccines in the pipeline and is capable of compounding, filling, freeze drying, capping, inspecting, labeling and packing inert vaccines. 

CCM Duopharma Biotech Berhad is a subsidiary of CCM Berhad which is listed on the main board of Bursa Malaysia 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