Sales have started growing again at Chippenham-based speciality pharmaceutical firm Alliance Pharma, after a slight fall last year, its bosses said this week.
The firm, which acquires and develops niche drugs, said in a trading update to shareholders that sales for the half year to June 30 were likely to reach £22.8m – up 6.1% on the same period last year.
Its growth products continued to deliver, with dry skin treatment Hydromol generating sales of £3.3m in the period – 10% higher than in the same period last year and despite a reduction in rebate it receives under the Pharmaceutical Price Regulation Scheme. 
MacuShield, the eye care product acquired for £5.5m in February, was performing in line with expectations, while production of its bladder cancer treatment ImmuCyst would resume in the second half for the first time since it was halted in mid-2012. The treatment had peak annual sales of more than £4m before output was suspended.
The firm was continuing to explore a number of acquisition opportunities, it said. In March, it reported sales in the year to December 31 had fallen by 4% to £43.5m, with pre-tax profits coming in 10% lower at £10.8m.
Interim results for the six months ended June 30 are scheduled to be released on September 9.
