Orion Corporation Orion Pharma's international operations showing slower growth than estimated

International operations of the Orion Pharma division of Orion Corporation are developing at a lower level than estimated, based on the sales during the first months of the year. Above all, the deliveries of the Parkinson's disease drug Comtan (entacapone) to the marketing partner Novartis have remained below the planned level. On the other hand, sales of entacapone under trade name Comtess in Orion Pharma's own marketing territory are progressing well.

In the Financial Statements Bulletin published on 21 February 2001 by Orion Corporation, Orion Pharma's international operations were estimated to show continued growth. Operating profit, however, was expected to decrease from the previous year due to increased expenditure on marketing and research and development. The Group net sales were estimated to show stronger growth whereas the operating profit was estimated to be lower than in the previous year.