Slovenian drugmaker Krka says demand higher, virus impact unpredictable

Krka dd Novo Mesto

16/04/2020 08:26

LJUBLJANA, April 16 (Reuters) - Slovenia's generic drugs
producer, Krka  KRKG.LJ , says demand for its products has
increased during the coronavirus pandemic but added the
development of the disease and its consequences remain
"unpredictable".
    "Demand for Krka's products has increased on most markets,"
Krka said in a report on Thursday, saying there was no negative
impact on its supply chain so far this year.
    Half of Krka's employees in Slovenia were working from home
from March 16 to April 14 to prevent the spread of the virus.
All employees entering the company's premises must have their
temperature taken at the entrance and must wear face masks.
    Slovenia has so far confirmed 1,248 coronavirus cases.
Sixty-one people have died.
    "During the pandemic, raw and production material purchasing
continued with minimal disruption. Quality assurance and quality
management went uninterrupted," it said.
    It added: "There is no way to foresee the pace with which
the disease will spread, how the situation will develop, what
the aftermath will be, and what measures affected nations will
take." 
    Krka is Slovenia's largest listed company, with a market
capitalisation of about 2.37 billion euros  ($2.58 billion).
    A week ago, Krka said it plans to pay a dividend of 4.25
euros per share this year, up by 32.8% from last year.
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($1 = 0.9173 euros)

 (Reporting By Marja Novak, editing by Larry King)
 ((Marja.Novak@thomsonreuters.com; +386-1-5058805, Reuters
Messaging: marja.novak.thomsonreuters.com@reuters.net))