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SINGAPORE (AFX) - Schering AG said it is planning to expand its market share in female contraceptive products in Asia over the next few years.
Booming economic growth should lead to better health care and greater demand for its products, including contraceptive pills and hormone treatments, the company said.
Yasmin, already the number one oral contraceptive in the world, was introduced to Asia later than in Western countries, so acceptance has lagged, the company said.
But the pill is already emerging as a best seller in Australia, Thailand, Hong Kong, Singapore and Taiwan.
Marcus Klein, Schering's regional medical director, said he expects Yasmin to be sold in China and South Korea by 2008 when they have complied with regulatory requirements.
Cambodia and Vietnam are also target markets.
Acceptance of the pill in the areas where it is being sold has been strong because taking the contraceptive does not lead women to gain weight, the company said.
Schering Asia Pacific does not cover Japan and India.
The company said its Asian operations recorded a "significant" increase in total net sales last year, adding it is planning to expand its operations in the Asia-Pacific region.
"The company is also planning to strengthen its leadership position by expanding its innovative product lines to more countries in Asia over the next few years," Schering said in a statement. maria.sheahan@afxnews.com afp/ms/jlw COPYRIGHT Copyright AFX News Limited 2005. All rights reserved. The copying, republication or redistribution of AFX News Content,inculding by framing or similar means, is expressly prohibited without the prior written consent of AFX News. AFX News and AFX Financial News Logo are registered trademarks of AFX News Limited
Copyright 2006 AFX News Limited. All Rights Reserved.
