SHENYANG, China, Feb. 20 /Xinhua-PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- 3SBio Inc. (''3SBio’’ or ''the Company’’), a leading China-based biotechnology company focused on researching, developing, manufacturing and marketing biopharmaceutical products, today announced its unaudited financial results for the fourth quarter and fiscal year ended December 31, 2007.
Commenting on the results, Dr. Jing Lou, Chief Executive Officer of 3SBio, said, ''2007 was a transformative year for 3SBio, driven by the successful and consistent execution of our strategy. We experienced solid growth across our core product portfolio, and delivered on a number of operational initiatives including continued progress on our development pipeline, the introduction of an oncology-focused sales team, the launch of a new product, and the successful groundbreaking on our new manufacturing facility, among others. From a product perspective, we believe our EPIAO products continued to be the market leader in terms of both revenues and sales volume. Our TPIAO products continued their strong growth, accounting for 23.9% of our total net revenues for the year, up from 12.6% for the fiscal year 2006, demonstrating the robust and rapid market acceptance of this product.’'
''Our positive results for the fourth quarter and the full year 2007 are consistent with the financial and operational track record that we have achieved since our inception, and I believe we are currently in a stronger position to compete as we have ever been in the history of our company. We continue to focus our efforts on maintaining growth, margins and profitability, and I am confident in our ability to continue to deliver shareholder value.’'
Fourth Quarter and Fiscal Year 2007 Unaudited Financial Results
Net Revenues. Our net revenues increased by 29.8% to RMB45.7 million (US$6.3 million) in the fourth quarter 2007 from the same period in 2006. This increase was primarily due to the growth in our TPIAO and EPIAO products, which increased by 99.3% and 14.7%, respectively, from the same period in 2006.
Our net revenues increased by 41.0% to RMB180.2 million (US$24.7 million) in 2007 from RMB127.8 million in 2006. This increase was primarily attributed to the continued growth in our leading EPIAO products, sales of which increased by 22.6% from RMB98.8 million in 2006 to RMB121.2 million (US$16.6 million) in 2007. The growth in sales from EPIAO was driven in part by our expanded oncology sales force, which continued to perform well. We also witnessed rapid market adoption of our TPIAO products, which generated revenues of RMB43.1 million (US$5.9 million) in 2007, compared to RMB16.1 million in 2006. TPIAO was our second largest revenue contributor in 2007, accounting for 23.9% of our total net revenues in the period. Sales from our in-licensed Iron Sucrose supplement increased by more than six fold to RMB3.2 million (US$0.4 million) in 2007. Our export sales registered a steady growth of 15.4% to RMB6.8 million (US$0.9 million) in 2007, which accounted for 3.8% of our total net revenue in 2007.
Cost of Revenues. Cost of revenues increased by 103.5% in fourth quarter 2007 to RMB5.7 million (US$0.8 million) from RMB2.8 million. This increase was primarily attributed to the increase in direct material costs in connection with the growth in sales and the higher personnel costs and bonuses as compared to the same period in 2006.
Cost of revenues increased by 50.3% to RMB17.4 million (US$2.4 million) in 2007 from RMB11.6 million in 2006. The increase was primarily attributed to costs associated with production increase relating to the increase in sales volume throughout the year.
Gross Profit. As a result of the foregoing, gross profit increased by 23.3% to RMB39.9 million (US$5.5 million) in the fourth quarter 2007 from RMB32.4 million for the same period in 2006. Gross margin decreased to 87.4% in the fourth quarter 2007 from 92.0% for the same period in 2006.
In 2007, gross profit grew 40.1% to RMB162.7 million (US$22.3 million) from RMB116.2 million in 2006. However, the gross margin of 90.3% in 2007 remained in line with the gross margin of 90.9% in 2006.
Operating Expenses. In the fourth quarter 2007, total operating expenses increased by 42.8% to RMB33.8 million (US$4.6 million) as compared to the same period in 2006, which was primarily attributed to the increase in research and development expenses of TPIAO and higher personnel costs and bonuses. In 2007, our total operating expenses increased by 43.4% to RMB114.2 million (US$15.7 million) from RMB79.6 million in 2006.
Operating Income. As a result of the foregoing, operating income decreased by 29.6% to RMB6.1 million (US$0.8 million) in the fourth quarter 2007 from RMB8.7 million for the same period in 2006. Operating margin decreased to 13.4% in the fourth quarter 2007 as compared to 24.8% for the same period in 2006.
Operating income increased by 32.9% to RMB48.5 million (US$6.7 million) in 2007 from RMB36.5 million in 2006. Operating margin decreased to 26.9% in 2007 from 28.6% in 2006.
Other Expense/Income, Net. We recorded other income, net, of RMB9.5 million (US$1.3 million) in fourth quarter 2007 as compared to other expenses, net for the same period in 2006.
We recorded other income, net, of RMB36.5 million (US$5.0 million) in 2007 as compared to other expenses, net, of RMB0.9 million for 2006. We recorded other income, net as compared to other expenses, net due primarily to interest income from the net proceeds we received in our IPO in February 2007 and a decrease in interest expense as our borrowings were fully repaid in 2007.
Income Before Income Tax Expense and Minority Interests. As a result of the foregoing, our income before income tax expense and minority interests increased by 79.2% to RMB15.6 million (US$2.1 million) in the fourth quarter 2007 from RMB8.7 million for the same period in 2006.
Our income before income tax expense and minority interests increased by 138.3% to RMB85.0 million (US$11.7 million) in 2007 from RMB35.7 million in 2006.
Income Tax Expense. We had an income tax credit of RMB2.2 million (US$0.3 million) in the fourth quarter 2007 as compared to an income tax expense of RMB1.6 million for the same period in 2006. The income tax credit in 2007 was mainly attributable to tax rebate amounted to RMB2.7 million approved by tax authority and recognized in the last quarter in 2007 as discussed below.
Our income tax expense decreased by 34.5% to RMB3.4 million (US$0.5 million) in 2007 from RMB5.2 million in 2006 and our effective tax rate was 4.0% in 2007 as compared to 14.6% in 2006, which was primarily attributable to tax rebate from reinvestment of retained earnings in a subsidiary of RMB2.7 million, as well as more interest income earned from IPO proceeds held by 3SBio Inc, incorporated in Cayman Islands, that was not subject to tax.
Net Income. As a result of the foregoing, our net income increased by 152.2% to RMB17.9 million (US$2.5 million) in the fourth quarter 2007 from RMB7.1 million for the same period in 2006.
Our net income increased 167.4% to RMB81.5 million (US$11.2 million) in 2007 from RMB30.5 million in 2006.
Statement Regarding Unaudited Financial Information
The unaudited financial information set forth above is preliminary and subject to adjustments and modifications. The audit of the financial statements and related notes to be included in our annual report on Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2007 is still in progress. Adjustments and modifications to the financial statements may be identified during the course of this audit work, which could result in significant differences from this preliminary unaudited financial information.
Currency Convenience Translation
For the convenience of readers, certain RMB amounts have been translated into US dollars at the rate of RMB7.2946 to US$1.00, the noon buying rate for US dollars in effect on December 31, 2007 for cable transfers of RMB per US dollar as certified for customs purposes by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York.
Fourth Quarter 2007 Business Highlights
Pipeline. We continued to make progress across our development pipeline during the fourth quarter 2007; however, our original schedule of completing all three current Phase III trials by the end of 2007 has been postponed.
Phase III Products
We completed enrollment and the original protocol for the Phase III trial for high-dosage (36,000 IU) EPIAO with positive results. However, to ensure the safety of the product, the clinical centers have extended the post- treatment observation period due to concerns with higher hemoglobin levels caused by ESAs (Erythropoiesis-Stimulating Agents) in the United States. We fully support the additional observation period and remain confident in the overall safety and efficacy of the product and expect filing with SFDA in Q3 of 2008.
The initial results of the Phase III trial for TPIAO for the treatment of idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) demonstrated excellent efficacy and a high safety profile based on our data to date. Enrollment has been completed, but we experienced a higher than expected drop-off rate (patients left the hospital before the required observation time) due to the protocol setting employed by the clinical centers. As a result, more cases are required. We expect completion of replenished cases in Q3 of 2008 and filing with SFDA in Q4 of 2008.
We completed enrollment for the Phase III trial for NuLeusin, our second generation IL-2, with positive results based on our data to date. During the trial, the number of cases enrolled increased from our original plan and as a result, these additional cases are still in the observation period, which we expect will conclude in the second quarter 2008.
Early Stage Products
We completed efficacy and pharmacokinetics studies for NuPIAO, our second- generation EPO product, with the toxicology study currently underway. We expect to submit the application for clinical trial in the second half of 2008.
Our first humanized monoclonal antibody (mAb) in development, anti-TNF mAb (SSS07), completed characterization of fully humanized clones, and the original potency of the rabbit mAb proved to be more advantageous than all known anti-TNF mAbs currently on the market.
Sales and Marketing. In the fourth quarter 2007, we continued to execute on our sales and marketing strategy, resulting in the entry of our products in 106 new hospitals throughout China. In addition, we experienced more than 51% sales growth in Beijing hospitals, with much of that growth resulting from the successful entry of our EPIAO products in 19 major hospitals in the Beijing military hospital system under management by the Health Administration of the People’s Libration Army.
In addition, demonstrating our leadership in pharmaceutical industry best practice in China and as part of our on going commitment to product quality, we have introduced a new pharmacovigilance program. We also initiated the Phase IV program with our innovative class I product, TPIAO, in 2007. As of the end of the fourth quarter, 2007, we reviewed the interim results of the TPIAO program, with no safety issues detected among the 1000 patients who have been treated with TPIAO. We expect to complete the full program for TPIAO phase IV trial by the second quarter of 2009.
In-Licensed Products. We successfully completed all four trials for our in-licensed Iron Sucrose product. As part of our growth strategies, we will continue to analyze additional in-licensing opportunities.
2008 Full Year Guidance
Based on current market and operating conditions, our total net revenue target for the full year 2008 will be between the estimated range of US$30 to US$32 million.
Conference Call
3SBio’s senior management will host a conference call at 5:00 am (Pacific) / 8:00 am (Eastern) / 9:00 pm (Beijing/Hong Kong) on Thursday, February 21, 2008 to discuss its 2007 fourth quarter and full year financial results and recent business activity. The conference call may be accessed by calling (US) +1-480-629-9041 / (UK) + 44-20-8515-2301 / (HK) + 852-3009-5027. A telephone replay will be available shortly after the call until March 6, 2008 at (US) +1-303-590-3030 / (UK) + 44-207-154-2833, Passcode: 3839328 / (HK) + 852-2287- 4304, Passcode: 104110#.
A live webcast of the conference call and replay will be available on the investor relations page of 3SBio’s website at http://www.3sbio.com .
About 3SBio Inc.
3SBio Inc. is a leading, fully integrated biotechnology company focused on researching, developing, manufacturing and marketing biopharmaceutical products, primarily in China. For more information, please visit 3SBio on the web at http://www.3sbio.com .
Safe Harbor Statement
Statements in this release regarding certain anticipated business prospects resulting from the approval constitute ''forward-looking” statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements are based upon 3SBio management’s current expectations, and actual results could differ materially. Among the factors that could cause 3SBio’s actual results to differ from what the company currently anticipates may include competition from other domestic and foreign pharmaceutical companies; the expected market growth for pharmaceutical products in China; market acceptance of 3SBio products; expected hospital or patient demand for our products; 3SBio’s ability to expand its production, sales and distribution network and other aspects of its operations; its ability to develop and commercialize additional products or additional indications for existing products; its ability to analyze additional in-licensing opportunities; its ability to effectively protect its intellectual property; changes in the healthcare industry in China, including changes in the healthcare policies and regulations of the PRC government and changes in the healthcare insurance sector in the PRC; and fluctuations in general economic and business conditions in China. For additional information on these and other factors that may affect the 3SBio’s financial results, please refer to the company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission at www.sec.gov. 3SBio undertakes no obligation to update or revise these forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, after the date of this press release.
IR@3sbio.com3sbio@taylor-rafferty.com3sbio@taylor-rafferty.com3sbio@taylor-rafferty.com
CONTACT: US, Mahmoud Siddig, Director, +1-212-889-4350, or
3sbio@taylor-rafferty.com, or in Hong Kong, Ruby Yim, Managing Director,
+852-3196-3712, or 3sbio@taylor-rafferty.com, or Media Contact(US), John
Dooley, +1-212-889-4350, or 3sbio@taylor-rafferty.com, all of Taylor
Rafferty, for 3SBio; or in China, Kevin Teo, Chief Financial Officer of
3SBio Inc., +86-24-2581-1820, or IR@3sbio.com
Web site: http://www.3sbio.com/
