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05-11-09	Hutchison China Medi - Successful Phase IIb UC Trial for HMPL-004	RNS
RNS Number : 0232C Hutchison China Meditech Limited 05 November 2009 Hutchison China MediTech Limited ("Chi-Med") (AIM: HCM) Successful Global Phase IIb Ulcerative Colitis Trial for HMPL-004: All Primary and Secondary Endpoints Achieved Hutchison MediPharma Proceeding with Development and Partnership Plans London: Thursday, 5 November 2009: Hutchison MediPharma Limited ("Hutchison MediPharma"), the wholly-owned drug R&D subsidiary of Chi-Med, today announces the completion of its 223-patient global Phase IIb clinical trial of HMPL-004 in patients with mild-to-moderate active Ulcerative Colitis ("UC"), a form of Inflammatory Bowel Disease with an estimated 250,000 to 500,000 patients in the United States. Top-line data analysis demonstrated that the trial clearly succeeded in meeting its primary efficacy endpoint of clinical response with a decrease in rectal bleeding. It also met its key secondary endpoints in relation to clinical remission and mucosal healing. Commenting on these trial results, Dr. Stephan Targan, Director of the Inflammatory Bowel Disease Center and the Division of Gastroenterology at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles expressed a high level of enthusiasm for HMPL-004: "The robust trial data clearly showed the drug's efficacy in remission induction. The safety profiles looked clean. As a natural oral product, it offers a promising treatment option in UC and warrants continuous development into Phase III clinical tests." The Phase IIb UC trial was a multi-centre, double-blind, randomized and placebo-controlled study conducted in 223 UC patients in the United States, Canada and Europe. The three-armed clinical trial included 8 weeks treatment of HMPL-004 at two dose levels, 1200 mg/day or 1800 mg/day, vs. placebo. The primary efficacy endpoint of the trial was clinical response, defined as the percentage of patients with a decrease in Mayo score from baseline * 3 AND * 30% decrease in the Mayo score, along with either a decrease in rectal bleeding score * 1 OR absolute rectal bleeding score * 1 at Week 8. The secondary endpoints included clinical remission, defined as the percentage of patients with a Mayo score * 2 with no individual score > 1 at Week 8; and the mucosal healing rate, defined as the percentage of patients with a decrease from baseline in Mayo endoscopy sub-score * 1 AND a Mayo sub-score of * 1 at Week 8. The safety profile of the drug was also assessed. Top-line data analysis demonstrated that all primary and key secondary endpoints were achieved. For the Intent-To-Treat ("ITT") patient population, the total clinical response of the two treatment arms at Week 8 was 64% for HMPL-004 vs. 44% for placebo (p = 0.006). The clinical remission at Week 8 was 43% vs. 28% for HMPL-004 vs. placebo (p = 0.03). The mucosal healing rate at Week 8 was 53% vs. 36% for HMPL-004 vs. placebo (p=0.02). For the higher dose 1800 mg/day arm, the clinical response at Week 8 was 73% for HMPL-004 vs. 44% for placebo (p < 0.001); the clinical remission at Week 8 was 45% vs. 28% for HMPL-004 vs. placebo (p = 0.04); and the mucosal healing rate at Week 8 was 60% vs. 36% for HMPL-004 vs. placebo (p=0.007), respectively. In addition, HMPL-004 demonstrated an excellent safety profile at both dose levels. There were no treatment-related serious adverse events in either of the HMPL-004 arms reported by the investigators. "We are very encouraged by these results," said Dr. Samantha Du, PhD, Chief Scientific Officer of Chi-Med and Chief Executive Officer of Hutchison MediPharma. "HMPL-004 is an innovative oral botanical drug with unique mechanism of action targeting NF-kB activation, which leads to inhibition of production of multiple pro-inflammatory cytokines. As such, HMPL-004 represents a new approach for the treatment of active IBD patients." Dr. Du added, "The achievement of all UC trial endpoints, along with the trend of efficacy demonstrated in the earlier Crohn's Disease trial, gives us the confidence to proceed with our development and partnership plans for this drug candidate." Ends Enquiries `Chi-Med Telephone: 852 2121 8200` Christian Hogg, CEO `Citigate Dewe Rogerson Telephone: +44 (0) 20 7638 9571` `Anthony Carlisle Mobile: +44 (0) 7973 611 888` `David Dible Mobile: +44 (0) 7967 566 919` Notes to Editors About HMPL-004 HMPL-004 is an orally active, proprietary botanic product that acts on multiple targets in the pathogenesis of inflammation. It is a compound extracted from a Chinese herb under controlled conditions and its composition is well characterised. The anti-inflammation activity of HMPL-004 was originally identified in a cell-based anti-inflammation screening assay at Hutchison MediPharma, and further confirmed in various experimental pharmacology models. About Inflammatory Bowel Diseases ("IBD") Ulcerative Colitis ("UC") and Crohn's Disease ("CD") are the two most common forms of IBD. The patient population with UC and CD in the United States is estimated to be between 250,000-500,000 and 400,000-600,000 respectively. The estimated annual new incidences of UC and CD in the US are 2-7 cases per 100,000 and 5-7 cases per 100,000, respectively. Between 2001 and 2005 it is estimated that the number of patients with UC in the United States increased by approximately 47,000, representing a CAGR of 4% and the number of patients with CD increased by approximately 58,000, a CAGR of 3%. Information in this paragraph was provided by Cambridge Consultants Limited in 2006. About Hutchison MediPharma Hutchison MediPharma is Chi-Med's wholly-owned drug R&D subsidiary and has a team of around 200 scientists and staff focusing on discovery and development of botanical drugs, semi-synthetic natural product drugs, and synthetic single chemical entity drugs. Hutchison MediPharma has a pipeline of single new chemical entity discovery projects in both the auto-immune/inflammatory disease and oncology therapeutic areas. About Chi-Med Chi-Med is the holding company of a pharmaceutical and healthcare group based primarily in China and was admitted to trading on the Alternative Investment Market of the London Stock Exchange in May 2006. It is focused on researching, developing, manufacturing, and selling pharmaceuticals, health supplements and other consumer health and personal care products derived from Traditional Chinese Medicine and botanical ingredients. This information is provided by RNS The company news service from the London Stock Exchange END MSCCKPKBKBDDKDK More
30-10-09	Hutchison China Medi - Initiates Phase I Clinical Trial of HMPL-011	RNS
RNS Number : 5914B Hutchison China Meditech Limited 30 October 2009 Hutchison China MediTech Limited ("Chi-Med") (AIM: HCM) Hutchison MediPharma Limited Initiates Phase I Clinical Trial of HMPL-011, Its Novel Single Chemical Drug Candidate for the Treatment of Auto-immune Diseases London: Friday, 30 October 2009: Hutchison MediPharma Limited ("Hutchison MediPharma"), the wholly-owned drug R&D subsidiary of Chi-Med, today announces the initiation of the first-in-human Phase I clinical trial of its proprietary anti-inflammatory drug candidate, HMPL-011, in Australia. The first subjects were dosed on 28 October. HMPL-011 is a new chemical entity with a novel mechanism of action. It is a novel cytokine modulator being developed as an oral therapy for auto-immune diseases. In pre-clinical studies, the drug candidate has shown efficacy in animal models of rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, and other auto-immune diseases. It has demonstrated an acceptable safety margin in animal toxicological evaluations. The study is a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blinded, single ascending dose trial in healthy male volunteers. The primary objective of the trial is to evaluate the safety, tolerability, and pharmacokinetics of HMPL-011 after single dosing. The study is expected to report results in the first half of year 2010. Dr. Samantha Du, Chief Scientific Officer of Chi-Med and CEO of Hutchison MediPharma, said: "The initiation of human clinical studies of HMPL-011 is another very important milestone for Hutchison MediPharma. HMPL-011 has the potential to bring the option of a new class of treatment for multiple types of auto-immune disease patients. We are excited about our discovery and development portfolio and their potential to bring new and significant therapeutic benefits to the patients worldwide." Ends Enquiries `Chi-Med Telephone: 852 2121 8200` Christian Hogg, CEO `Citigate Dewe Rogerson Telephone: +44 (0) 20 7638 9571` `Anthony Carlisle Mobile: +44 (0) 7973 611 888` `David Dible Mobile: +44 (0) 7967 566 919` Notes to Editors About Auto-immune Diseases Auto-immune diseases, mainly rheumatoid arthritis (RA), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), lupus, and psoriasis, are caused by the dysfunction of the immune system in which the body attacks its own organs, cells, and tissues. These disorders afflict millions of patients, an estimated 5-8% of the world population. Most auto-immune diseases disproportionately affect women, and they are among the 10 leading causes of death for women in every age group up to 64 years old. Recent growth in the market has been driven by new monoclonal antibodies, which have proved very effective. However, they have significant side effects and are very costly on a per treatment basis. There is strong unmet market need in developing a novel small molecule that is as effective, but with fewer side effects and lower costs. HMPL-011 is a novel small molecule cytokine modulator that controls the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines. It has shown good efficacy in animal models of a variety of inflammatory disorders. About Hutchison MediPharma Hutchison MediPharma is Chi-Med's wholly-owned drug R&D subsidiary and has a team of around 200 scientists and staff focusing on discovery and development of botanical drugs, semi-synthetic natural product drugs, and synthetic single chemical entity drugs. Hutchison MediPharma has a pipeline of single new chemical entity discovery projects in both the auto-immune/inflammatory disease and oncology therapeutic areas. About Chi-Med Chi-Med is the holding company of a pharmaceutical and healthcare group based primarily in China and was admitted to trading on the Alternative Investment Market of the London Stock Exchange in May 2006. It is focused on researching, developing, manufacturing, and selling pharmaceuticals, health supplements and other consumer health and personal care products derived from Traditional Chinese Medicine and botanical ingredients. This information is provided by RNS The company news service from the London Stock Exchange END MSCILFVLIALAFIA More
26-10-09	BRIEF-Hutchison China MediTech plans to buy all of jv	AFX UK Focus
LONDON, Oct 26 (Reuters) - Hutchison China MediTech Ltd: INCREASE IN ITS OWNERSHIP OF HUTCHISON HEALTHCARE FROM APPROXIMATELY `85% to 100%` ((London Equities Newsroom; +44 20 7542 7717)) (For more news, please click here) COPYRIGHT Copyright Thomson Reuters 2009. All rights reserved. The copying, republication or redistribution of Reuters News Content, including by framing or similar means, is expressly prohibited without the prior written consent of Thomson Reuters. More
26-10-09	Hutchison China Medi - Acquires 100% of Hutchison Healthcare JV	RNS
RNS Number : 3220B Hutchison China Meditech Limited 26 October 2009 Hutchison China MediTech Limited ("Chi-Med") (AIM: HCM) Chi-Med increases ownership of its Hutchison Healthcare joint venture to 100% London: Monday, 26 October 2009: Chi-Med, the majority owned subsidiary of Hutchison Whampoa Limited ("Hutchison Whampoa"), today announces the intended increase in its ownership of Hutchison Healthcare Limited ("HHL"), one of the three joint ventures which comprise Chi-Med's China Healthcare Division, from approximately 85% to 100%. Chi-Med's China Healthcare Division manufactures, distributes and markets pharmaceuticals and health supplements in the fast growing China healthcare market. Since flotation in 2006, it has recorded compound annual organic growth of 28% and for the first 6 months of 2009, grew sales 23% to US$53.1 million and grew net profit after tax and minority interests 35% to US$6.6 million. HHL produces health food products, including the rapidly growing Zhi Ling Tong infant nutrition brand. Chi-Med's wholly-owned subsidiary, Pioneer Leader Limited, has conditionally acquired the outstanding minority equity interest in HHL of approximately 15% at a total consideration, including the share transfer price and current account payments, of RMB 4.2 million (approximately US$0.6 million). The current account payments have been made by HHL. It is expected that the conditions precedents to completion of the acquisition, which are primarily procedural, will be fulfilled before the end of 2009. HHL's performance has improved significantly in this year due primarily to the strong growth in the Zhi Ling Tong range. Net profit for HHL reached RMB 2.1 million (approximately US$0.3 million) in the first half of 2009 compared to a loss of RMB 0.2 million in the same period 2008. Mr. Christian Hogg, CEO of Chi-Med, said: "The increase in our share in HHL to 100% is an important step for Chi-Med. Furthermore, gaining total control of the Zhi Ling Tong brand is important in light of our recently announced joint venture with The Hain Celestial Group, Inc. and our plans to co-brand Zhi Ling Tong[R] and Earth's Best[R] organic infant nutrition products for launch in the China market." Ends Enquiries `Chi-Med Telephone: +852 2121 8200` Christian Hogg, CEO `Citigate Dewe Rogerson Telephone: +44 (0) 20 7638 9571` `Anthony Carlisle +44 (0) 7973 611 888` `David Dible +44 (0) 7967 566 919` About Chi-Med Chi-Med is the holding company of a pharmaceutical and healthcare group based primarily in China and was admitted to trading on the Alternative Investment Market of the London Stock Exchange in May 2006. It is focused on researching, developing, manufacturing, and selling pharmaceuticals, health supplements and other consumer health and personal care products derived from Traditional Chinese Medicine and botanical ingredients. Chi-Med is majority owned by Hutchison Whampoa Limited, an international company listed on the Main Board of The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited. This information is provided by RNS The company news service from the London Stock Exchange END MSCMJBITMMITBPL More
16-10-09	Hutchison China Medi - Statement on Essential Medicines List	RNS
RNS Number : 8524A Hutchison China Meditech Limited 16 October 2009 Hutchison China MediTech Limited ("Chi-Med") (AIM: HCM) Newly Published China National Essential Medicines List Reference Prices No Overall Negative Impact on Chi-Med Prices London: Friday, 16 October 2009: Chi-Med, the pharmaceutical and healthcare company with operations primarily in China, today provides an update in relation to the New China National Essential Medicines List (the "Essential Medicines List") Reference Prices (the "Reference Prices") which were published by the National Development and Reform Commission ("NDRC") in China on 28 September 2009. On 27 August 2009, Chi-Med announced that 14 of its main drugs, representing over 80% of the China Healthcare Division's sales of prescription and over-the-counter drugs, have been included in the Essential Medicines List ("14 Chi-Med Essential Drugs"). To secure national distribution of our generic listed essential medicine drugs, Chi-Med will be required to first price tender and then supply state-owned health institutions at ex-factory prices that would support the new Reference Prices set by the NDRC. The new Reference Prices represent the maximum allowable retail prices that these items can be sold for in hospitals and pharmacies in China. The NDRC has now published the new Reference Prices for 2,349 dosage forms and package configurations of the 307 drugs on the Essential Medicines List. About 45% of these items had Reference Prices cut by an average of 12%, 49% saw prices remain unchanged, and the remaining 6% are to receive moderate price increases due to short supply. These new Reference Prices will be effective on 22 October 2009. Christian Hogg, Chief Executive Officer of Chi-Med, said, "The overall impact of these new Reference Prices on the retail or ex-factory prices of the 14 Chi-Med Essential Drugs is immaterial. Therefore, we do not believe that these new Reference Prices will lead us to have to adjust our China Healthcare Division's price tendering strategies or reduce ex-factory prices below current levels. This positions us well to continue to grow our China Healthcare Division which, for the first 6 months of 2009, grew sales 23% to $53.1 million and grew net profit after tax and minority interests 35% to $6.6 million." Ends Enquiries `Chi-Med Telephone: +852 2121 8200` `Christian Hogg, CEO` `Citigate Dewe Rogerson Telephone: +44 (0) 20 7638 9571` `Anthony Carlisle +44 (0) 7973 611 888` `David Dible +44 (0) 7967 566 919` About Chi-Med Chi-Med is the holding company of a pharmaceutical and healthcare group based primarily in China and was admitted to trading on the Alternative Investment Market of the London Stock Exchange in May 2006. It is focused on researching, developing, manufacturing, and selling pharmaceuticals, health supplements and other consumer health and personal care products derived from Traditional Chinese Medicine and botanical ingredients. Chi-Med is majority owned by Hutchison Whampoa Limited, an international company listed on the Main Board of The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited. This information is provided by RNS The company news service from the London Stock Exchange END MSCKGMMGZKLGLZM More
12-10-09	PRESS DIGEST - Hong Kong - Oct 12	AFX UK Focus
HONG KONG, Oct 12 (Reuters) - These are some of the leading stories in Hong Kong newspapers on Monday. Reuters has not verified these stories and does not vouch for their accuracy. SOUTH CHINA MORNING POST `--Investment by mainlanders in Hong Kong's real estate market has been rising, accounting for about 21.5 percent of luxury home sales in the city in September, according to mortgage broker mReferral.` `--Mainland property companies Xiamen Yuzhou Group, Mingfa Group, Excellence Property and Fantasia Holdings Group plan to go public in Hong Kong by the end of October, aiming to raise a combined $3 billion, even amid the lacklustre performance of recent new listings.` `-- Shimao Property Holdings and its 64.21 percent-owned subsidiary, Shanghai Shimao, jointly made a successful bid for land-use rights to a 30,545 square metre site in Xiamen, Fujian province, for 709.1 million yuan (HK$805 million).` HONG KONG ECONOMIC JOURNAL `--Sugar producer Global Sweet targets annual turnover growth of 20 to 30 percent in the next three years, said company chairman Kong Zhanpeng.` ORIENTAL DAILY `--Shimao Property will pay US$10 million (HK$78 million) to subscribe to the initial public offering of mainland property company Xiamen Yuzhou Group, when it lists in Hong Kong later this month. Xiamen Yuzhou, which will start its roadshow on Wednesday, aims to raise about $300 million-$500 million, according to market sources.` TA KUNG PAO `--Chinese property developer Country Garden Holdings said its property sales in the first eight days of October rose 63 percent to 2.2 billion yuan ($322.3 million) from the same period a year earlier.` (Reporting by Twinnie Siu; Editing by Chris Lewis) ((+852 2843-6441; hongkong.newsroom@thomsonreuters.com)) ($1=6.825 Yuan) Keywords: HONGKONG PRESS (If you have a query or comment on this story, send an email to news.feedback.asia@thomsonreuters.com) COPYRIGHT Copyright Thomson Reuters 2009. All rights reserved. The copying, republication or redistribution of Reuters News Content, including by framing or similar means, is expressly prohibited without the prior written consent of Thomson Reuters. More
09-10-09	PRESS DIGEST - Hong Kong - Oct 9	AFX UK Focus
HONG KONG, Oct 9 (Reuters) - These are some of the leading stories in Hong Kong newspapers on Friday. Reuters has not verified these stories and does not vouch for their accuracy. SOUTH CHINA MORNING POST `-- Beijing plans to build a new generation of large destroyers as part of its effort to develop a modern blue-water navy, a report from an official ship-building institute shows.` `-- Mainland car makers expect slower growth next year after strong sales this year. This year's forecast of a 36 percent growth was a "one-time event", said Tony Shiping, the chief executive of China Auto Logistics.` TA KUNG PAO `-- HSBC executive director Peter Wong said hefty hot money continued to flow into Hong Kong and kept local interest rates at low levels. He expects interest rates to stay at low levels in the next six months. The United States could raise interest rates in mid-2010 and Hong Kong is expected to follow.` HONG KONG ECONOMIC JOURNAL `-- Chinese solar silicon wafer maker Comtec Solar cut the size of its Hong Kong IPO by 17 percent to HK$780 million and postponed its shares' trading debut to Nov 3 from late October, due to weak sentiment in the primary market, sources said.` MING PAO `-- China MediTech Ltd, a unit of Hutchison Whampoa , said it will set up a joint venture with Nasdaq-listed Hain Celestial Group to distribute infant and toddler feeding products in China and other markets.` HONG KONG ECONOMIC TIMES `-- China based property firms are preparing for Hong Kong listings, with Evergrande Real Estate and Yuzhou Group planning to kick off their share sales on Oct 20. Another property firm, Excellence Group, will launch its IPO on Oct 27.` ORIENTAL DAILY `-- TC Interconnect Holdings, a printed circuit board maker, plans to install 30,000 LED street lights in Guangdong and Shenzhen with its joint venture company. It expects the project to generate a gross profit margin of 50 percent and to earn back investments within two years, said chairman Yeung Hoi Shan.` `(Reporting by Twinnie Siu; editing by Ken Wills)` `((+852 2843-6441; hongkong.newsroom@thomsonreuters.com)) Keywords: HONGKONG PRESS` (If you have a query or comment on this story, send an email to news.feedback.asia@thomsonreuters.com) COPYRIGHT Copyright Thomson Reuters 2009. All rights reserved. The copying, republication or redistribution of Reuters News Content, including by framing or similar means, is expressly prohibited without the prior written consent of Thomson Reuters. More
08-10-09	STOCKS NEWS UK-Hutchison Chi-Med up on organic baby food JV	AFX UK Focus
`STOCKS NEWS Reuters Results diary` `Europe Real-time Equity News` `UK Stocks on the move` `UK smallcaps UK smallcaps news` `09:13GMT 08Oct2009-Hutchison Chi-Med up on organic baby food JV` --------------------------------------------------------------- `Shares in Hutchison Chi-Med rise 12 percent after the China-focused healthcare company announces a joint venture with U.S.-based Hain Celestial Group to distribute organic baby food in China.` `The announcement causes Panmure Gordon to upgrade its target price from 156 pence to 187 pence and reiterate its "buy" recommendation.` `"Of particular interest is the $2.6 billion infant milk formula market," the broker says in a note to clients.` `To see Hutchison Chi-Med's statement please click on` Reuters messaging rm://ben.deighton.thomsonreuters.com@reuters.net `09:07GMT 08Oct2009-Victrex higher after update` ---------------------------------------------- `Shares in Victrex gain 4.1 percent as the high-tech plastics company says, in a trading update, that monthly sales volumes have increased in the second half of the year, but adds it was too early to say if the recovery was sustainable into 2010.` `In reaction, KBC Peel Hunt lifts its target price for the firm to 800 pence from 750, while repeating its "buy" rating on the stock.` "Victrex offers short-term cyclical exposure of Industrial volume recovery and the long-term growth potential of the high margin Invibio (the company's biocompatible polymers unit)," the broker says in a note. Reuters Messaging rm://tricia.wright1.reuters.com@reuters.net `08:22GMT 08Oct2009-Vedanta leads miners higher on update` -------------------------------------------------------- `Shares in Vedanta Resources gain 7.2 percent, topping the FTSE 100 leaderboard following a positive production report from the Indan-focused miner, with the sector stronger after good news overnight from U.S. peer Alcoa and as metal prices rise.` `Vedanta reports a 15.6 percent rise in second quarter output of refined zinc and a 27.3 percent increase in iron ore, its two most important minerals in a second-quarter production report.` `Morgan Stanley says Vedanta's results are broadly in line with its estimates and consensus with a good improvement on a quarter-on-quarter basis. The broker repeats its "overweight" stance and 2,623 pence target price on Vedanta.` `Overall mining issues dominate, with the FTSE 350 Mining index up 3.2 percent helped by Alcoa's surprise third-quarter profit on Wednesday after three consecutive quarterly losses, and its comments that there are signs key markets are stabilising.` `Aside from Vedanta, Kazakhmys, Antofagasta, Anglo American , Xstrata, Randgold Resources, Rio Tinto, Lonmin , and Eurasian Natural Resources make up nine of the top 10 FTSE 100 gainers, ahead 3.1 to 4.2 percent.` `For more Vedanta's update, double click on` Reuters Messaging rm://jon.hopkins.reuters.com@reuters.net `08:22GMT 08Oct2009-Carillion up on positive update` -------------------------------------------------- `Shares in Carillion rise 5.8 percent after the construction and support services firm says it remains on track to deliver materially enhanced earnings in 2009, and will cut debt in the second half.` `"Consistency remains a key message behind the Carillion investment story," says Andy Brown at Panmure Gordon, who rates the company a "buy".` `"We continue to believe that the growth opportunity in the Support Services division, plus the ability to be selective on its Construction related work, provides a key differentiator for the group."` `For more, click on` Reuters Messaging rm://paul.sandle.reuters.com@reuters.net `07:37GMT 08Oct2009-ATH Resources falls after profit warning` ----------------------------------------------------------- `Shares in ATH Resources fall 5.7 percent after the coal producer says a shortfall in full-year sales volumes is expected to hurt its profits.` `"Despite its best efforts to make up the shortfall in production caused by the problems at (Scottish mine) Muir Dean from elsewhere, the company has come up just short of its target," Seymour Pierce analyst Asa Bridle says.` `"On the back of the lower production level, our 2009 pretax profit forecast falls by 23 percent to 5.5 million pounds and earnings falls by 9.4 pence a share," the broker says in a note.` `The brokerage, however, says that despite the downgrades, ATH continues to look attractive on a range of multiples and dividend yield and maintains a "buy" rating on the stock.` `For more, double-click on` Reuters messaging rm://ram.kumar.thomsonreuters.com@reuters.net `07:32GMT 08Oct2009-FTSE small caps up 0.3 pct early on` ------------------------------------------------------ `The FTSE Small Cap index gains 0.3 pct in early deals but underperforms the FTSE 100 and FTSE 250 indexes, up 1.1 and 1.2 percent respectively as investors welcomed news from Alcoa which kicked off the U.S. Q3 corporate earnings season positively.` `Fashion retailer Ted Baker gains 5.0 percent as it posts an 18.4 percent fall in first-half pretax profit to 6.0 million pounds but says the outcome was better than it had hoped. For more double click on.` `Elsewhere on the high street, chocolatier Thorntons continues to benefit from Wednesday's well-received trading update, also gaining 5 percent.` `But staffing firm Robert Walters loses 1.7 percent with the sector unsettled by a disappointing trading update from mid cap peer Hays which dips 0.9 percent.` `For more on Hays double click on` Reuters Messaging rm://jon.hopkins.reuters.com@reuters.net Keywords: MARKETS UK STOCKSNEWS/ COPYRIGHT Copyright Thomson Reuters 2009. All rights reserved. The copying, republication or redistribution of Reuters News Content, including by framing or similar means, is expressly prohibited without the prior written consent of Thomson Reuters. More
08-10-09	Hutchison China Medi - Joint venture with The Hain Celestial Group	RNS
RNS Number : 4441A Hutchison China Meditech Limited 08 October 2009 Hutchison China MediTech Limited ("Chi-Med") (AIM: HCM) Chi-Med announces joint venture with The Hain Celestial Group to develop natural and organic consumer products in Asia London: Thursday, 8 October 2009: Chi-Med, the majority owned subsidiary of Hutchison Whampoa Limited ("Hutchison Whampoa"), with pharmaceutical and healthcare operations primarily in China, today announced the signing of a joint venture agreement between its wholly-owned subsidiary, Hutchison Organic Holdings Limited, and The Hain Celestial Group, Inc. (NASDAQ: HAIN), a leading natural and organic products company ("Hain Celestial"). The joint venture will market and distribute infant and toddler feeding products co-branded under the Earth's Best[R] and Zhi Ling Tong brand names as well as selected Hain Celestial brands in China and other markets which can leverage upon the worldwide retail network for product distribution of the Hutchison Whampoa group. Under the terms of the joint venture agreement, each partner will own 50% of a newly created entity, Hutchison Hain Organic Holdings Limited, to conduct this marketing and distribution business. "We have established a strong foundation for our brands in North America and Europe and look to deepen our franchise and widen our reach into China and to Asia," said Irwin D. Simon, President and Chief Executive Officer of Hain Celestial. "Our joint venture with an esteemed partner in Chi-Med and Hutchison Whampoa accelerates our entry with a partner whose values and product portfolio are entirely consistent with ours." Christian Hogg, Chief Executive Officer of Chi-Med, said, "Tapping into Hain Celestial's know-how in natural and organic infant feeding is an important step forward in Chi-Med's strategy. The joint venture leverages Chi-Med's extensive China distribution network and significantly adds to our platform in infant nutrition, one of China's fastest growing categories. It also capitalises on the long-established relationships and international retail strengths of Hutchison Whampoa to grow Hain Celestial's portfolio of brands in the region, to our mutual benefit." Chi-Med has a strong position in pharmaceutical and healthcare products in China, including an extensive distribution network. With its highly respected Zhi Ling Tong brand, it also has a strong platform and rapidly growing sales in the Chinese infant nutrition supplements market. Hain Celestial is a leading natural and organic products company in North America and Europe, and Earth's Best[R] is one of the fastest growing established brands in infant feeding in the United States. Through its wholly owned A.S. Watson Group, Hutchison Whampoa is a major international retailer with over 8,400 retail shops in 34 markets. A.S. Watson has a strong presence in Asia with over 270 supermarkets and mega stores under the name PARKnSHOP and over 1,700 Watson's health and beauty stores. In Europe, it has over 1,600 luxury perfumery and cosmetics stores and over 4,700 health & beauty stores under brand names including Superdrug (UK), Marionnaud (France, Austria, Italy, Spain, Switzerland, and Portugal), Rossmann (Germany), Kruidvat, ICI Paris XL, and Trekpleister (Belgium and Netherlands). Ends Enquiries For Chi-Med `Citigate Dewe Rogerson Telephone: +44 (0) 20 7638 9571` `Anthony Carlisle +44 (0) 7973 611 888` `David Dible +44 (0) 7967 566 919` For Hain Celestial `Kekst and Company Telephone: +1 212 521 4800` David Lilly Paige Gruman About Chi-Med Chi-Med (AIM: HCM) is the holding company of a pharmaceutical and healthcare group based primarily in China and was admitted to trading on the Alternative Investment Market of the London Stock Exchange in May 2006. It is focused on researching, developing, manufacturing, and selling pharmaceuticals, health supplements and other consumer health and personal care products derived from Traditional Chinese Medicine and botanical ingredients. Chi-Med is majority owned by Hutchison Whampoa Limited, an international company listed on the Main Board of The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited. For more information, visit www.chi-med.com. About The Hain Celestial Group The Hain Celestial Group (NASDAQ: HAIN), headquartered in Melville, NY, is a leading natural and organic company in North America and Europe. Hain Celestial reported turnover of approximately USD 1.06 billion for the year ended 31 December 2008. Hain Celestial participates in almost all natural food categories with well-known brands that include Celestial Seasonings[R], Terra[R], Garden of Eatin'[R], Health Valley[R], WestSoy[R], Earth's Best[R], Arrowhead Mills[R], MaraNatha[R], SunSpire[R], DeBoles[R], Hain Pure Foods[R], Hollywood[R], Spectrum Naturals[R], Spectrum Essentials[R], Walnut Acres Organic[R], Imagine[R], Rice Dream[R], Soy Dream[R], Rosetto[R], Ethnic Gourmet[R], Yves Veggie Cuisine[R], Granose[R], Realeat[R], Linda McCartney[R], Daily Bread[TM], Lima[R], Grains Noirs[R], Natumi[R], JASON[R], Zia[R] Natural Skincare, Avalon Organics[R], Alba Botanica[R], Queen Helene[R], Tushies[R] and TenderCare[R]. Hain Celestial has been providing "A Healthy Way of Life[TM]" since 1993. For more information, visit www.hain-celestial.com. About Hutchison Whampoa Limited ("Hutchison Whampoa") Hutchison Whampoa is a leading international corporation committed to innovation and technology with businesses spanning the globe. Its diverse array of holdings range from some of the world's biggest port operators and retailers to property development and infrastructure to the most technologically-advanced and marketing-savvy telecommunications operators. Hutchison Whampoa reported turnover of approximately HKD 348 billion (USD 45 billion) for the year ended 31 December 2008. With operations in 54 countries and over 220,000 employees worldwide, Hutchison Whampoa has five core businesses - ports and related services; property and hotels; retail; energy and infrastructure, finance and investments, and others; and telecommunications. Hutchison Whampoa is among the largest companies listed on the main board of the Hong Kong Stock Exchange. Flagship companies include Hutchison Port Holdings, Hutchison Whampoa Properties, A S Watson, Cheung Kong Infrastructure and Hutchison Telecom. For more information, visit www.hutchison-whampoa.com. This information is provided by RNS The company news service from the London Stock Exchange END JVEFSISIASUSEIS More
27-08-09	Hutchison China Medi - Key Drugs in New National Essential Medicines List	RNS
RNS Number : 0912Y Hutchison China Meditech Limited 27 August 2009 Hutchison China MediTech Limited ("Chi-Med") (AIM: HCM) Chi-Med's Main Drugs Included in the New National Essential Medicines List London: Thursday, 27 August 2009: Chi-Med, the pharmaceutical and healthcare company with operations primarily in China, today announces that 14 of its main drugs (the "Essential Drugs"), one of which being solely and exclusively manufactured by Chi-Med's China Healthcare Division, have been included in the list of 307 essential drugs on the New National Essential Medicines List (the "Essential Medicines List") issued by the Ministry of Health in China on 18 August 2009. The Essential Medicines List includes 102 traditional Chinese medicine drugs. The plan of the Ministry of Health is to equip about 30% of state-owned grass-roots health institutions with the 307 essential drugs on the Essential Medicines List by the end of 2009. These health institutions would be directed to give priority to the listed drugs when treating patients. By 2020, all state-owned health institutions in urban and rural China would be required to give priority to the listed drugs. In total, the 14 Essential Drugs manufactured by Chi-Med's China Healthcare Division represent over 80% of that Division's sales of prescription and over-the-counter ("OTC") drugs. Overall, this Division recorded sales of $53.1 million and net profit after tax and minority interests of $6.6 million in the first half of 2009. Amongst the 14 Essential Drugs, She Xiang Bao Xin pill ("SXBX Pill"), a prescription drug for cardiovascular disease, is currently uniquely manufactured by Chi-Med's joint venture, Shanghai Hutchison Pharmaceuticals Limited ("SHPL") under the exclusivity protection of a certificate issued by the Ministry of Science and Technology and State Secrecy Bureau (the "Certificate"). The Certificate awarded SXBX Pill "confidential information" status for a period of five years expiring in August 2010. Management believes that this exclusivity protection will be extended in 2010 and SHPL will continue to be the sole supplier of SXBX Pill in the China market. 13 of the 14 Essential Drugs are generic drugs that are manufactured by multiple manufacturers in China. To secure national distribution, Chi-Med will have to supply state-owned health institutions at reference prices set by the Ministry of Health. Another joint venture of Chi-Med, Hutchison Whampoa Guangzhou Baiyunshan Chinese Medicine Company Limited ("HBYS"), which is a very large-scale generic OTC drug manufacturer in China that manufactured and sold over 3 billion doses of generic OTC medicine in 2008, has a highly competitive cost structure and consequently, a history of successful price tendering on both a national and provincial level. This should position HBYS well to meet Ministry of Health reference price requirements. All other drugs currently manufactured and sold by SHPL and HBYS, which are not on the Essential Medicines List, will continue to be sold, as they are today, to state-owned health institutions on a provincial level. Christian Hogg, Chief Executive Officer of Chi-Med, said, "Overall, we believe this is good news for Chi-Med. Since our 2006 flotation, our China Healthcare Division has recorded compound annual organic growth of 28% as well as improving operating profit margins from 0% in 2005 to 18% in the first half of 2009. Inclusion of our main drugs on the Essential Medicines List positions us well to continue this growth." Ends Enquiries `Chi-Med Telephone: +852 2121 8200` `Christian Hogg, CEO` `Citigate Dewe Rogerson Telephone: +44 (0) 20 7638 9571` `Anthony Carlisle +44 (0) 7973 611 888` `David Dible +44 (0) 7967 566 919` About Chi-Med Chi-Med is the holding company of a pharmaceutical and healthcare group based primarily in China and was admitted to trading on the Alternative Investment Market of the London Stock Exchange in May 2006. It is focused on researching, developing, manufacturing, and selling pharmaceuticals, health supplements and other consumer health and personal care products derived from Traditional Chinese Medicine and botanical ingredients. Chi-Med is majority owned by Hutchison Whampoa Limited, an international company listed on the Main Board of The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited. This information is provided by RNS The company news service from the London Stock Exchange END MSCPRMATMMITMAL More

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