CHUGAI PHARMACEUTICAL CO., LTD
'We achieved robust double-digit growth in both revenues and profits in the nine months under review. This was due to significant increases in both domestic and overseas sales, driven by new products and mainstay products, as well as continued growth in royalty income. As a result, we raised our full year forecast for FY2021. In terms of R&D, I am very pleased that our first mid-size molecule project, LUNA18, has entered the clinical development phase. Mid-size molecule drugs are expected to become the third modality to drive our future growth. Concerning COVID-19, we have filed Ronapreve for subcutaneous administration and the additional indications of treatment for asymptomatic patients and prophylaxis. In order to satisfy unmet medical needs through innovation, we will continue pursuing world-leading science and technology to contribute to patients awaiting treatments.' said Dr.
[Third quarter results for 2021]
Revenues and Core operating profit increased by approximately 17% and 25%, respectively, for the third quarter (nine months, Core-basis), mainly due to increases in sales and royalty and profit-sharing income.
Revenues increased by approximately 20% in total since sales, which recorded flat year-on-year growth for the first half, turned to double-digit growth. Domestic sales increased by double digits as the strong oncology field grew further with a mainstay product Tecentriq maintaining high growth despite the NHI price revision in August this year, and the contribution of a new product Polivy. In the primary field, sales increased approximately 30% after reporting a decrease by roughly 10% in the first half. The growth was driven by new products, with the supply of Ronapreve to the government and the market penetration of Enspryng, and double-digit growth of mainstay products, Actemra and Hemlibra. Overseas sales recovered growth and increased by approximately 10% as the further growth of Hemlibra outweighed the decrease in the sales of Actemra. Royalties and other operating income increased by approximately 20% mainly due to increases in royalty and profit-sharing income related to Hemlibra, despite a continued decrease in other operating income resulting from one-time income.
Cost to sales ratio improved by 1.2% points year-on-year to 41.9%, mainly due to an increase in the proportion of in-house products including Hemlibra. Operating expenses increased approximately by 10% as research and development, marketing and distribution, and general and administration expenses all increased. Research and development expenses increased by double digits, continued from the first half, associated with the progress of projects. The increases in marketing and distribution expenses were affected by last year's decrease in activities due to the spread of the COVID-19. General and administration expenses increased owing to the enterprise tax and various expenses. As a result, core operating profit increased by approximately 25%.
The Company also made good progress in research and development. Its first mid-size molecule project, LUNA18, has entered the clinical development phase. Chugai has been focusing on mid-size molecule drugs as a new modality to constitute the mainstay for driving its medium-to long-term growth. LUNA18 is an oral cyclic peptide RAS inhibitor, and a Phase I clinical trial has been initiated for solid tumors. As for other in-house projects, Chugai has started development of Enspryng in generalized Myasthenia Gravis (gMG), initiating a Phase III clinical trial.
In the efforts to develop treatments for COVID-19, Chugai filed an application for the antibody cocktail Ronapreve, which had received Special Approval in July. The filing is to obtain approval for additional indications for prophylaxis of COVID-19 and treatment of asymptomatic COVID-19, and additional subcutaneous administration. In addition, an application for approval was filed in
[Revision of Full-Year Forecast for 2021]
Chugai raised forecasts (Core-basis) for FY2021 following the strong nine-month results. Regarding domestic sales, the sales forecast attributable to the supply of Ronapreve to the government, which was not expected at the beginning of the fiscal year, has been included, and the progress and revised assumptions have been reflected for each product including Avastin and Tecentriq, which are progressing ahead of the initial forecast. The forecast for overseas sales has been revised upward reflecting that sales of Actemra and Hemlibra should exceed the original forecast. Royalties and other operating income have been also revised upward. As a result, the revenues have been raised to
In accordance with the revision of the financial forecast, year-end dividends forecast was also revised to an undecided value. Reflecting the significant changes in the profit structures, year-end dividends will be decided based on the Company's dividend policy* after the fiscal year ends.
Regarding income distribution, taking into account the strategic funding needs and earning prospects, Chugai aims for a consolidated dividend payout ratio of 45% on average in comparison with Core EPS to provide a stable allocation of profit to all shareholders.
About Core results
Chugai discloses its results on a Core basis from 2013 in conjunction with its decision to apply IFRS. Core results are the results after adjusting non-Core items to IFRS results, and are consistent with the Core concept disclosed by
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Contact:
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