Cardiovascular and Oncology franchises are the key growth drivers, delivering dynamic performances in challenging markets, particularly from VALSARTAN for hypertension. Lotus leads the industry with 14 new product approvals in the China since 2000, with key approvals in 2005 for Levofloxacin Lactate Freeze-Dry Powder Injection (Junxin), the broad spectrum antibiotic.
These, precisely, were the priorities that we will pursue in 2006. The pharmaceuticals division will further expanded its research operations, and this process will continue in the coming year.
For our generics business, we will continue to make new acquisitions of product lines to resell, represented not only a geographical expansion but a substantial reinforcement and reinvigoration. In China – the most important generic markets – we have secured a leading position, and gained access to a rich pipeline and new technologies. The incorporation of a dynamic entrepreneurial culture is also having beneficial effects.
Sales are growing rapidly, integration is proceeding according to plans, and our team is highly motivated. Also pending is the outright acquisition of a respected competitor, in which we presently hold a minority stake. We will always pursue like pharmaceutical operations that can be integrated into our own, when such outfits have posted strong growth and consistent innovation.
We have strong quality assurance expertise to bear and are planning strategic expansion of the vaccines business through appropriate investments. Through organic growth and acquisitions in the course of 2007, we will further expand our operations in the healthcare sector, paving the way for additional sustained growth and at the same time spreading risks more widely.
What is ultimately essential, of course, is not only strategic decision-making but progress on the operational front. The gains in market share that has been achieved by pharmaceuticals will see a further rise in the proportion of sales generated by products that will continue to enjoy patent protection for an extended period of time. |
