Valois achieved full-year income of €30.5m ($48m), up 28 per cent on its 2006 earnings, while annual revenue hit €345.6m, 11 per cent higher than that recorded the previous year.
The French firm said that sales were strong across both its pharmaceutical and beauty divisions, particularly following the launch of several new products that incorporate its dispensing technologies. Valois also reported that its new range of chlorofluorocarbon (CFC)-free metering valves for the delivery of pulmonary drug products made a significant contribution to its coffers.
The impending US ban on CFC-based albuterol inhalers, which comes into effect on December 31, is likely to see demand for technologies like Valois' metering valves continue to increase as drugmakers seek to target the lucrative US market. A recent study by Decision Resources suggested that the US albuterol CFC sector is worth nearly $400m a year.
In addition, Valois' 2007 operations had a distinctly international flavour, with sales outside France providing around 58 per cent of its total turnover. The firm reported that, while revenues derived from the European Union and North America remained strong, emerging markets like South America and Asia had made a significant contribution.
Alcon's Patanase launched in US
Earlier this month Valois reported that Texan eye health specialist Alcon had launched its allergic rhinitis treatment Patanase (olopatadine HCl). The product incorporates Valois' VP7 pharmaceutical spray pump fitted with a custom developed nasal actuator that optimizes dose delivery and convenience for the patient.
The VP7 pump is designed to provide efficient pre-compression and spray performance at doses ranging from 25 µl to 130 µl. The system incorporates an easy priming device, which ensures that the metering chamber is only re-filled when the actuator has been fully returned to its starting position, thereby accurately controlling the amount of drug delivered.
The global allergic rhinitis market is worth in excess of $3bn a year, according to data collected by IMS health. While the market is well established, the number of people developing allergies is continuing to increase due to various environmental factors.
As a result, the demand for treatments and effective delivery mechanisms is likely to continue to increase over the medium to long-term.
