Kuala Lumpur – CCM Duopharma Biotech Berhad (CCMD) achieved an increase in revenue to RM123.77 million for the financial year ended December 31, 2009 from RM122.87 million in the corresponding period last year.

CCMD’s profit before tax (PBT) also rose eight per cent to RM38.21 million from RM35.34 million in the same period.

Meanwhile, CCMD recorded an improvement in revenue to RM29.85 million for its fourth financial quarter ended December 31, 2009 (Q409) from RM29.48 million in the corresponding period last year.

The Company’s PBT grew 138.4 per cent to RM8.61 million for the current quarter from RM3.61 million in the same quarter last year. The increase in PBT was mainly due to one-off stock write off in the previous year’s corresponding quarter.

CCMD faces challenges to procure its normal import permits for psychotropic and dangerous drugs and hence, may impact CCMD’s profitability in 2010. Notwithstanding this and barring any other unforeseen circumstances, the Company is expected to remain profitable.

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

In light of a growing number of influenza A (H1N1) cases in 2009 and to meet the demand for anti-viral medication, CCMD has introduced Oseltamivir (Omiflu), its generic anti-viral drug to treat and prevent infections due to the influenza virus. The Company has secured a three-year contract from the Government to supply Oseltamivir (Omiflu) into the Government stockpile of anti-retro virals (ARV). This contract is also expected to contribute positively to CCMD’s revenue in 2010.

For the year under review, the Board of Directors recommends a final tax exempt dividend of 10 per cent (5.0 sen) per share and also dividend of 14 per cent (7.0 sen) per share less 25 per cent income tax (2008: a final tax exempt dividend of 14 per cent (7.0 sen) per share). The total dividend for the current financial year is 36 per cent (18.0 sen) per share amounting to approximately RM22.67 million. In 2008, the Company declared an interim and final tax exempt dividend of 16 per cent (8.0 sen) and 14 per cent (7.0 sen) per share respectively amounting to approximately RM20.83 million.

CCM Duopharma Biotech Berhad is a subsidiary of Chemical Company of Malaysia (CCM) Berhad, which is listed on the main board of Bursa Malaysia and is a key player in the fertilizers, chemicals and pharmaceuticals industries.

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Issued with the compliments of Chemical Company of Malaysia Berhad Through Eric Pringle Associates Public Relations Sdn Bhd. For further information, please contact Ida Fazila Ismail at Tel no: 03-21617144 or email: ifazila@epapr.com.my