Highlights
-- The group's turnover surged 67.4% to
-- Sales coverage increased to around 10,500 hospitals and 2,110 pharmaceutical stores in the PRC;
-- Obtained an approval for the registration and commercialisation of the preservative-free unit-dose Moxifloxacin Hydrochloride Eye Drops in the PRC;
-- Significant progress in R&D program, 15 R&D programs in the pre-clinical to clinical stage, out of which 3 ophthalmology programs are in clinical stage as the below:
SkQ1 eye drops, second phase 3 clinical trial (
Azithromycin eye drops, ongoing review by external key opinion leaders (
Bevacizumab intravitreal injection for wet-AMD, phase 3 clinical trial (
-- Holds a total of 44 patent certificates or authorisation letters: 35 invention patents, 4 utility model patents and 5 design patents;
-- Completed the acquisition of IP rights relating to R&D, production and MAH of Shilishun Iodized Lecithin Capsules.
Significant progression in Financial Performances
Essex achieved significant progression and encouraging performances amid the COVID-19 pandemic and macro uncertainties. For the year ended
Turnover of Ophthalmology and Surgical Segments Surged 60.6% and 72.6% respectively
The Group's turnover is primarily made up from the segments of Ophthalmology and Surgical (wound care and healing). The core products that are of current growth driver under each segment are:
1. Ophthalmology - Beifushu series (Beifushu eye drops, Beifushu eye gel and Beifushu unit-dose eye drops), Tobramycin Eye Drops, Levofloxacin Eye Drops, Sodium Hyaluronate Eye Drops, Moxifloxacin Hydrochloride Eye Drops and Shilishun(Iodized Lecithin Capsules); and
2. Surgical (Wound care and healing) - Beifuji series (Beifuji spray, Beifuji lyophilised powder and Beifuxin gel), Carisolv dental caries removal gel, Dr. YaDian mouth wash and Yi Xue An Granules.
The sectoral turnover of Ophthalmology and Surgical is approximately 41.1% and 58.9% of the Group's turnover, respectively. The combined turnover of the Group's flagship biologics, Beifushu series and Beifuji series, the basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) based biologic drugs, represented about 84.3% of the Group's total turnover, of which Beifushu series and Beifuji series accounted for 26.1% and 58.2% of the Group's turnover, respectively. The remaining 15.7% of the Group's turnover is mainly contributed from sales of Tobramycin Eye Drops, Levofloxacin Eye Drops, Sodium Hyaluronate Eye Drops, Moxifloxacin Hydrochloride Eye Drops, Shilishun Iodized Lecithin Capsules, Carisolv dental caries removal gel, Dr. YaDian mouth wash and Yi Xue An Granules, collectively. Ophthalmology segment contributed approximately
The selling of Xalatan Eye Drops and Xalacom Eye Drops would be discontinued in 2022 that contributed approximately 2% to the Group's gross profit for the year ended
The Board proposed a final dividend of
Mr.
Significant Business Development Activities
The Group is committed to pragmatically investing in new products and technologies to strengthen the Group's product and R&D pipeline as near to mid-term growth driver in ophthalmology and long-term plan for new therapeutics in oncology. During the year under review, major investments in ophthalmic products are outlined as follows:
Investment in Ophthalmology
Significant progress for SkQ1's second phase 3 clinical trial
In 2018, the Group entered into a co-development agreement with
HLX04-O approved for phase 3 clinical trial
In 2020, the Group entered into a co-development and exclusive license agreement with Shanghai Henlius Biotech, Inc. to co-develop a pharmaceutical product that contains an anti-vascular endothelial growth factor ("anti-VEGF") as a drug substance, which is intended for the treatment of exudative (wet) age-related macular degeneration ("wet-AMD"). As at the date of
Ophthalmology business is expected to be further strengthened by the acquisition of Shilishun Iodized Lecithin Capsules
The successful acquisition of IP rights relating to R&D, production and MAH of Shilishun Iodized Lecithin Capsules will enable the Group to strengthen its ophthalmology business.
Market Development
Robust Market Access Capability
Over the years, the Group has been relentlessly investing in establishing and strengthening its market access capability. As at
During the year under review, the Group's therapeutic products are being prescribed in more than 10,500 hospitals and medical providers, coupled with approximately 2,110 pharmaceutical stores, which are mainly located in the major cities, provinces and county cities in the PRC.
Further Investments to Strengthen Competitiveness and Customer Base
For achieving a sustainable traction on growth for currently marketed products as well as for near-term to mid-term new products being commercialised, the Group initiated investments to improve its competitiveness and widen its customer base under the following plans:
-- Investing in clinical observation programs for affirming additional clinical indications of its commercialised products;
-- Reaching out to market in lower-tier cities;
-- Cultivating pharmaceutical stores, where possible, as complementary sales channel; and
-- Building on-line platform for medical consultation and e-prescription for patients with chronic diseases under its healthtech initiative.
The Group has initiated its market access expansion to Southeast Asian countries by setting up a base and expanded its presence in
Research and Development
The Group renewed its R&D's vision, emphasising the dedication to science and innovation, with a mission to develop therapeutics that would meet unmet clinical and/or commercial needs. The Group concurrently kick-started a 5-year (2021 to 2025) R&D's development plan to further strengthen its R&D capability and its position in Ophthalmology.
As at
1. EB11-18136P: SkQ1 eye drops, second phase 3 clinical trial (
2. EB11-15120P: Azithromycin eye drops, ongoing review by external key opinion leaders (
3. EB12-20145P: Bevacizumab intravitreal injection for wet-AMD, phase 3 clinical trial (
As at the date of this announcement, the Group has obtained a total of 44 patent certificates or authorisation letters: 35 invention patents, 4 utility model patents and 5 design patents.
The Group currently has diversified its R&D resources to multiple research sites in Zhuhai (PRC),
Prospects
Looking ahead, the Group will continue to monitor the circumstances under the uncertainty of COVID-19 in 2022. Its strong team spirit and dynamic leadership have provided it with the capacity to navigate these turbulent times, and capture any opportunities in the ever changing world. The Group remains highly dynamic in delivering positive results in the coming year.
"COVID-19 remains a major concern in 2022 globally. We continue to monitor the situation and will take appropriate actions to overcome any unforeseen challenges. Barring the unforeseen circumstance, the Group remains focus on executing its plans and delivering progressive results. I would like to take this opportunity to express my sincere gratitude to all stakeholders, business associates and valued customers for the trust, support and cooperation accorded to us, and each and every member of the Group for their relentless efforts rendered in shaping the Group into being a progressive and promising pharmaceutical player.", said Mr.
Full version of Essex's FY2021 Annual Results Announcement can be downloaded at: https://www1.hkexnews.hk/listedco/listconews/sehk/2022/0322/2022032200780.pdf
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