Bioglan Pharma, the British pharmaceutical company with an Irish share quotation, more than doubled its profit before tax to £7 million sterling (€12.1 million) in the year ended January 31st, 2000, from £3.4 million. Sales grew by 39 per cent to £60.5 million (€104.5 million). Reflecting real growth, earnings per share rose from 4.07p to 4.79p.

Chairman and chief executive, Mr Terry Sadler, said: "We have achieved many of the goals which we set ourselves at the time of flotation, including the establishment of a substantial business in the US." He described the latest results as "excellent".

The group is looking for further strong growth. "Our focus on areas which we believe provide good scope for the future has been sharpened and we are now active in four areas: dermatology; generics; pain control; and drug delivery."