The Ahmedabad based pharma major Zydus Cadila has reported a 10 per cent rise in sales to Rs 167 crore for the third quarter ended December 31, 2002 as against Rs 152 crore reported in the corresponding quarter last year.

The Company improved its operating margin by 11 per cent to Rs 26.6 crore from Rs 24 crore. Profit Before Tax is up by 49 per cent to Rs 25.2 crore from Rs 16.9 crore of the previous quarter.

The Company posted a net profit of Rs 17.3 crore as compared to Rs 14.7 crore in the corresponding period of the previous year, a growth of 18 per cent.

The increased sales of Amlodac and Falcigo contributed to excellent growth in sales. Penegra continues to be the leading sildenafil citrate brand with a market share of 25 per cent (ORG MAT Nov, 2002). The API division also introduced block buster molecules like Fosphenytoin sodium, Valdecoxib and Rosuvastatin during the quarter.

The Company also launched indigenously manufactured rabies vaccine - Vaxirab, Tranarest used in the prevention of excessive bleeding, Ultrazac, a short term pain management analgesic, Noklot Plus used in the treatment of ISD and ACS, Pantodac IV for rapid acid suppression and Linid Infusion, a broad spectrum anti-infective.