For Nycomed the twelve months of 2008 have been satisfactory and most of the markets performed well and met expectations. Key products developed strongly, with the exception of Pantoprazole sales in the United States and Canada, which is due to "at-risk" launch and generic competition, respectively. The company's integration restructuring showed its full cost-savings effect in 2008. Together with the ongoing optimisation of the manufacturing network, this increases Nycomed's competitiveness and strengthens the company for the future.
Adjusted EBITDA amounted to € 1,207.6 million, which is slightly below 2007. Total revenue decreased by 4.3% to € 3,348.0 million compared to € 3,497.4 million in 2007. When excluding Pantoprazole sales in the United States and Canada as well as the one-time effect of Sepracor, revenue grew by 3.1% in local currency in 2008. Other products, which include local products and amount to approximately 30% of Nycomed's total revenue, grew by 10.4% in local currency in the same period.
"It has been a very satisfying year for Nycomed. Our key products continue their above-average growth, and Pantoprazole performs very well outside the United States and Canada. I am also very pleased that we are rapidly moving ahead with the preparations for the European and United States regulatory filing of Daxas, our treatment of symptomatic Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease," said Håkan Björklund, Nycomed's Chief Executive Officer.
"Current world economic conditions make predictions difficult, but we are well positioned for the future and remain confident to deliver another good performance in 2009," he continued.
About NycomedNycomed is a privately owned global pharmaceutical company with a differentiated portfolio focused on branded medicines in gastroenterology, respiratory and inflammatory diseases, pain, osteoporosis and tissue management. An extensive range of OTC products completes the portfolio. Its R&D is built to be open for partnerships as in-licensing is a cornerstone of the company’s growth strategy. Nycomed employs 12,000 associates worldwide, and its products are available in more than 100 countries. It has strong platforms in Europe and in fast-growing markets such as Russia/CIS, and Latin America. While the US and Japan are commercialised through best-in-class partners, Nycomed will further strengthen its position in key Asian markets. Headquartered in Zurich, Switzerland, the company generated in 2008 total sales of € 3,4 billion and an adjusted EBITDA of € 1,2 billion. For more information visit www.nycomed.com.