PETALING JAYA: Duopharma Biotech Bhd recorded a resilient financial performance in the first quarter ended March 31, 2026 (Q1’26), delivering a stronger profit before tax (PBT) of RM40.41 million, and profit after tax (PAT) of RM30.71 million, an increase of 19.8% year-on-year, despite revenue dropping 5.7% to RM247.88 million compared to RM262.74 million in the same period last year.
The moderation in revenue was primarily attributable to the public-sector demand for insulin products, which has normalised to regular supply levels following the one-off surge in sales in Q1’25.
The group’s revenue was supported by growth in the private and export segments, which delivered encouraging year-on-year growth during the quarter, driven in part by the strong performance of the consumer healthcare business.
A stronger ringgit in the quarter eased active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) input costs, which, combined with lower operating expenses and reduced net finance costs, led to higher PBT for the period.
Meanwhile, Q1’26 revenue was 10.3% higher compared to Q4’25, supported by positive growth across all business segments, driven by public sector demand in line with the government’s annual procurement cycle.
Quarter-on-quarter PBT grew 62.2% and PAT rose 61.2% respectively, underpinned by a higher revenue base and improved operational efficiency.
Duopharma CEO Wan Amir-Jeffery Wan Abdul Majid said the government’s strategic commitment to healthcare and medicine supply security augurs well for the group.
“We anticipate a favourable operating environment in light of the deliberate emphasis on expanding local pharmaceutical manufacturing capabilities, as indicated in the 13th Malaysia Plan and the New Industrial Master Plan 2030.
“As a leading homegrown pharmaceutical manufacturer in Malaysia, Duopharma Biotech is uniquely positioned to capitalise on these structural opportunities.
“At the same time, to safeguard continuity of production during global macroeconomic and geopolitical volatility, we have proactively strengthened our supply chain resilience through strategic inventory management, diversification of API sourcing and close engagement with key suppliers,” he said.
The group was recently awarded two government insulin contracts through its wholly owned subsidiaries.
In February, the government accepted the tender offer from Duopharma (M) Sdn Bhd to supply insulin injection to Ministry of Health facilities until Feb 5, 2028 for contract value of RM52.54 million.
The government also accepted the tender offer from Duopharma Marketing Sdn Bhd, together with Biocon Sdn Bhd, to supply recombinant human insulin formulations to Ministry of Health facilities until today, for contract value of RM65.08 million.
The group is also contracted to supply a total of 100 products to the ministry’s facilities until the end of this year.
During Q1’26, the group paid a second interim dividend of 3.05 sen per share, equivalent to RM29.33 million, in respect of the financial year ended Dec 31, 2025.
