Merck Ltd, a major pharma MNC, has reported impressive performance during the first quarter ended March 2004. Its net profit went up by 93.5 per cent to Rs 14.34 crore from Rs 7.41 crore in the corresponding period of last year. Total income increased by 9.6 per cent to Rs 85.90 crore from Rs 78.39 crore.

The company is now focusing on a new combination drug in the cardiovascular and haematinic segment, a new formulation in treatment and strengthening of skeletal and cardiac muscles, commercial manufacture of oxynex ST for the Merck Group (anti-oxident and photostabilizer) and re-engineering of the packaging style of existing products to reduce cost o the products during the current year.

The company's turnover of Rs 400 crore registered a growth of 5 per cent during the year ended December 2003. The turnover of pharma and chemicals segments showed growth of 6.3 per cent and 3.2 per cent respectively. Its profit before taxation and exceptional item moved up to Rs 93.58 crore from Rs 64.10 crore. The company launched three pharma products via Met-Neurobion capsules, Aerway capsules and Lodoz 5mg tablets during last year.