KUALA LUMPUR: Pharmaniaga Bhd posted a net profit of RM85.47mil in the fourth quarter ended Dec 31, 2021 (4Q21) against a net loss of RM6.33mil in the same quarter a year ago.

       Its revenue for the quarter rose 12% to RM712mil from RM635mil a year prior.

       The pharmaceutical group said the improved performance was attributable to positive growth across the group's concession, non-concession and Indonesian businesses.

       The non-concession business was a key driver due to sales of the Sinovac Covid-19 vaccine to the private sector, it said.

       Pharmaniaga has declared a fourth interim dividend of 5.0 sen per share in respect of the financial year ended Dec 31, 2021 (FY21).

       The dividend will be paid on April 5 to shareholders registered in the register of members at the close of business on March 8.

       For FY21, Pharmaniaga’s net rose more than six folds to RM172.15mil against RM27.48mil a year ago while revenue jumped 76.7% to RM4.81bil from RM2.72bil previously.

       On its prospects, Pharmaniaga said the group aimed to maintain the growth momentum of its consumer healthcare segment and achieve double-digit growth in FY22 by ramping up marketing for its consumer healthcare products.

       “Pharmaniaga continues to pursue avenues of growth to emphasise the research and development (R&D) of biopharmaceuticals, vaccines and insulins to bolster its product portfolio.

       “The group has a large and capable R&D team to formulate its own generic pharmaceutical products every year, allowing the group to capture new markets,” it said, adding that it remained committed to expanding its non-concession business.

       “Leveraging on the experience and expertise in manufacturing fill and finish the Sinovac Covid-19 vaccine, the group intends to export the vaccine to countries such as Indonesia, Philippines, Cambodia, Thailand and several African nations that are facing vaccine supply shortages.

       “Pharmaniaga is actively negotiating with Sinovac Biotech Ltd to secure a deal to allow the group to speed up the supply of vaccines to these countries. With its proven track record in vaccine management and wide distribution channels, the group is optimistic that it will be able to secure the deal,” it said.