RNS Number:9089R
Galen Holdings PLC
11 November 2003


Craigavon, Northern Ireland/Rockaway, NJ                        11 November 2003



                                Galen Holdings PLC
      Results for the fourth quarter and full year ended 30 September 2003

Craigavon, Northern Ireland/Rockaway, New Jersey, USA - 11 November 2003: Galen
Holdings PLC ("Galen") (LSE: GAL.L, Nasdaq: GALN), announces its results for the
quarter and full year ended 30 September 2003.

Financial Highlights for the year
                                                     Year ended                  Year ended
                                              30 September 2003           30 September 2002             Change
                                                          ($ m)                       ($ m)                (%)

Revenues
     - Products                                             432                         235                84%
     - Services  (Discontinued)                               -                          61                  -
                                                          _____                       _____              _____
Total revenues                                              432                         296                46%
                                                          _____                       _____              _____

Operating profit(1)

      -  Products                                           187                          95                97%
      -  Services (Discontinued)                              -                          10                  -
                                                          _____                       _____              _____
Total operating profit                                      187                         105                79%

                                                          _____                       _____              _____
Statutory operating profit                                  125                          64                95%
                                                          _____                       _____              _____

                                                          Cents                       Cents
Adjusted earnings per share(1)                             85.2                        47.8                78%
                                                          _____                       _____              _____
Statutory earnings per share                               51.2                     73.4(2)               -30%
                                                          _____                       _____              _____


1        Operating profit and adjusted earnings per share, which are the primary
performance measures used by management, are presented after excluding
amortisation of intangibles, goodwill and before exceptional item.
Reconciliations of statutory and adjusted items are given in the profit and loss
account and Note 2 to the results.

2        Includes the exceptional profit on the sale of our pharmaceuticals
services business in 2002.

  * Earnings per ordinary share, before amortisation of goodwill, intangible
    assets and exceptional items, (including the gain on the sale of our
    Pharmaceutical Services business during 2002), increased to 85.2 cents, up
    78% over the prior year.

  *  Operating profit, before amortisation of goodwill and intangibles, rose
    to $187.0 million compared to $104.5 million in the prior year, an increase
    of 79%.

  * The results of the prior year include the Pharmaceutical Services
    business, which was sold in the year ended 30 September 2002.

  * Total pharmaceutical product revenues increased by 84% to $432.3 million
    from $235.2 million reflecting strong underlying organic growth of 27% as
    well as the addition of Sarafem(R), the US sales and marketing rights of
    which were acquired from Eli Lilly and Company in January 2003, and the
    addition of three products from Pfizer Inc., Estrostep(R), Loestrin(R) and
    femhrt(R), acquired in March and April 2003 (see page 4 for breakdown).

*   During the year, the Company invested approximately $650 million
    acquiring products and product rights.  These transactions were financed 
    through a combination of existing cash reserves and senior debt.  The 
    Company generated $208 million in cash from operations and ended the year 
    with $253.3 million in net debt.

*   The Board has recommended the payment of a final dividend of 2.4p per 
    ordinary share.  This equates to a total dividend for the year of 3.6p, an
    increase of 20% over the previous year.

Business Highlights for the year

  * Purchased the US sales and marketing rights to Sarafem(R), which is
    indicated for the treatment of pre-menstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), from
    Eli Lilly and Company for approximately $295 million in December 2002.

  * Acquired oral contraceptives Estrostep(R) and Loestrin(R) and the combined
    estrogen-progestogen therapy femhrt(R) from Pfizer Inc. for approximately
    $359 million in March and April 2003.

  * Received FDA approval for Femring(R) in March 2003 and launched the
    product in June 2003.

  * Entered into an agreement with Bristol-Myers Squibb Company for the
    co-promotion of and option to purchase BMS's US Dovonex(R) business in
    April.

  * Entered into a development agreement and license agreement with LEO Pharma
    for Dovobet(R) in April.

  * Initiated the deployment of a second salesforce, the 185 person Warner
    Chilcott Specialty salesforce.

  * Signed letters of intent with Barr Laboratories Inc. in September to
    resolve outstanding patent challenges on Estrostep(R) and femhrt(R), license
    the existing US and Canadian Loestrin(R) business to Barr, and obtain an
    option to license the generic Ovcon(R) ANDA from Barr.

Commenting on the results, Roger Boissonneault, Chief Executive said:

"The past year established Galen's pharmaceutical products business as the focus
of the company.  We have significantly strengthened our US presence through the
execution of our growth strategy, to continue organic growth, new product
development and selective acquisitions.  Galen is well positioned to execute its
growth strategy into "04" and beyond".

For further information, please contact:

Galen Holdings PLC
David G. Kelly                          Today:             + 44 (0) 207 831 3113
                                        Thereafter:        + 44 (0) 28 3833 4974
Financial Dynamics
Andrew Dowler / Francetta Carr          Tel:               + 44 (0) 20 7831 3113


For further information on Galen visit: www.galenplc.com

An analyst presentation will take place at 9.30am (GMT) today at the offices of
Financial Dynamics, Holborn Gate, 26 Southampton Buildings, London WC2.  A
conference call will also take place at 2pm (GMT) today.  Please call Mo Noonan
on 020 7269 7116 for further details.

Note:

Forward looking statements in this report, including, without limitation,
statements relating to Galen's plans, strategies, objectives, expectations,
intentions and adequacy of resources, are made pursuant to the safe harbor
provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These
forward looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and
other factors that may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of
Galen to be materially different from any future results, performance or
achievements expressed or implied by such forward looking statements. These
factors include, among others, the following: Galen's ability to manage its
growth, government regulation affecting the development, manufacture, marketing
and sale of pharmaceutical products, customer acceptance of new products,
competitive factors in the industries in which Galen operates, the loss of key
senior management or scientific staff, exchange rate fluctuations, general
economic and business conditions, and other factors described in filings of
Galen with the SEC. Galen undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise
any forward looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future
events or otherwise.

Commentary on the results for the fourth quarter and full year ended 30
September 2003

Sales & Marketing

The Group achieved significant growth in each of its key pharmaceutical products
as illustrated by the table below.

PRODUCTS                                        Q4 2003             FY 2003        YOY Growth %
                                                   $M's                $M's
Oral Contraception
Ovcon(R)                                           17.3                58.6                 29%
Estrostep(R)                                       15.2                26.5                 N/A
Loestrin(R)                                        18.2                34.9                 N/A

HRT
Estrace Cream(R)                                   12.2                44.8                 23%
femhrt(R)                                          13.4                22.6                 N/A
Femring(R)                                          0.6                 2.3                 N/A
Estrace Tablets(R)                                  3.5                22.5                 10%

Dermatology
Doryx(R)                                           10.3                54.1                 28%

PMDD
Sarafem(R)                                         22.6                59.9                 N/A

Other
U.S.                                                6.5                31.5                  9%
U.K. & INTL.                                       18.9                74.6                 20%

Total                                             138.7               432.3                 84%

For the year ended 30 September 2003 total products sales were $432.3 million
compared to $235.2 million in the prior year, an increase of 84%. For the
quarter ended 30 September 2003 total product sales were $138.7 million, an
increase of 127% over the same quarter last year.  This significant growth was
driven largely by the addition of recently acquired products which were not
included in the comparable sales numbers for last year, as can be seen in the
above table.  However, revenues also grew strongly for existing products
promoted by our salesforce for which the comparable quarter's sales are
available, i.e. Ovcon(R), Estrace(R) Cream and Doryx(R), which showed combined
growth of 27% over the same quarter last year.

With regard to those products acquired during our fiscal year 2003, their impact
can now be seen on the results of the group. Sarafem(R), Estrostep(R) and femhrt
(R) all performed well in the quarter with sales of $22.6, $15.2 and $13.4
million respectively. This was the first quarter when we recorded a full
quarter's sales of femhrt(R), our combined estrogen-progestogen therapy product
acquired from Pfizer in mid April 2003.

In June we launched Femring(R), our vaginal ring for estrogen therapy.  We had
initial stocking orders of approximately $1.7 million for this product  and
recorded sales of $0.6 million for this product in the quarter.

Doryx(R) recorded sales of $10.3 million in the quarter, lower, as expected,
than other quarters in the year, as seasonal demand for acne treatments
typically declines during the summer months.

We now have our expanded salesforce largely in place.  We have taken steps to
establish both our salesforces at approximately 185 persons, which we believe is
an optimum size. Our new Warner Chilcott Specialty salesforce is promoting
Estrostep(R) and Sarafem(R) to OB/GYNs and is also responsible for the promotion
of our dermatology products, Dovonex(R) and Doryx(R). We do not record any sales
of Dovonex(R), our treatment for mild to moderate psoriasis which we promote on
behalf of Bristol Myers Squibb, but we estimate in-market sales for the period
of our fiscal year were approximately $121 million.

Margins

The gross margin for the year was 82.2% compared to 69.6% for the prior year.
The gross margin for the quarter was 85.0% compared to 70.5% for the same period
last year.  This improvement is largely attributable to the disposal of the
lower margin services businesses during the last financial year and as a result
of a greater proportion of our sales being generated from our US business.

Selling, General and Administrative expenses (S, G and A) were $139.5 million
for the full year and $44.4 million in the quarter, compared to $81.4 million
and $8.2 million in the prior year. This increase is due primarily to increased
selling, advertising and promotion costs being incurred as we expand our
salesforce and increase spending on promoting our broadened product offering.
It is also worth noting that in the fourth quarter of 2002, we netted off
realised exchange gains arising on the repayment of borrowings against our S, G
and A expenses, thus depressing last year's figure.

Operating profit, before amortisation of goodwill and intangibles, was $187.0
million (43.3% margin) for the full year and $65.5 million (47.2%) for the
quarter compared to $104.6 million (35.3%) and $31.8 million (49.3% margin) in
the same quarter last year.  If one excludes the impact of the exchange gains
last year it is apparent that the Company continues to increase its operating
margins as it adopts the pharmaceutical products model.

Statutory operating profit for the year was $124.9 million (28.9% margin)
compared to $64.1 million (21.6% margin) in 2002, an increase of 94.9%.
Statutory operating profit includes amortisation of intangibles and goodwill.

Research & Development

Total research and development costs were $28.7 million for the year and $7.9
million for the quarter, compared to $20.6 million and $5.4 million respectively
in the same periods last year. This increase of 39.5% year on year reflects our
ongoing investment in our development pipeline.

During the quarter, we completed work on the New Drug Application (NDA) for our
oral estradiol acetate product (Femtrace(R)), for the treatment of the symptoms
of menopause. We submitted the NDA in mid-October. We continue in Phase III
clinicals for our vaginal ring containing metronidazole (MetroRingTM), for the
treatment of bacterial vaginosis, and we aim to submit the NDA in calendar 2004.
 We expect the NDA submission for our  Doryx(R) line extension to take place in
the first half of calendar 2004.  Approval of the NDA for the new Ovcon(R)
product is expected prior to the end of calendar year 2003.

Liquidity

Cash generated from operations during the year was $207.8 million. Cash
generated from operations during the quarter was $70.7 million. During the
quarter we made the first $51.7 million repayment on our $350 million senior
loan. Cash on hand at 30 September 2003 was $89.1 million and net debt was
$253.3 million.

Chairman and Chief Executive Officer's statement

Letter to Shareholders

The year ended 30 September 2003 has been one of outstanding success at Galen
Holdings PLC, with continued excellent financial performance.  We have
consistently delivered impressive year on year growth since our IPO in 1997.
Since the acquisition of Warner Chilcott in September 2000, your directors have
successfully transformed the business into a specialty pharmaceutical company
principally focused on the women's healthcare and dermatology markets in the
United States.  Our relentless focus on implementation of our strategy to
continue organic growth of our pharmaceutical business, develop new proprietary
products and acquire products that complement and strengthen our existing
product range has positioned our business well for the future.

Financial Overview

Galen achieved record revenues of $ 432.3 million, a 45.8% increase over the
$296.5 million recorded for the prior year.  The 2002 revenues include $61.3
million from the divested services businesses.  Pharmaceutical product revenue
growth year on year was an outstanding 83.8%.  Of our total revenues, 83% are
now generated from activities in the United States.  Earnings per share before
amortisation of goodwill and intangible assets and exceptional items rose by
78.2% to 85.2 cents.  Statutory earnings per share decreased by 30.2% to 51.2
cents reflecting in particular the exceptional gain on disposal of the
Pharmaceutical Services business in 2002.

Gross profit increased to $355.1 million from $206.6 million in the prior year,
notwithstanding the sale of our pharmaceutical services businesses, and reflects
continued strong growth in our U.S. business where margins are greater.  Our
gross profit margin has now risen to 82.2% for the year.

Operating profit before amortisation of goodwill and intangible assets grew from
$104.6 million to $187.0 million, an increase of 78.8% over 2002.  On a like for
like basis, excluding the divested services businesses, our operating profit
before amortisation rose by 97.4%.  Our operating margin for the year was 43.3%,
an increase from the 35.3% recorded in last year's results.  Our statutory
operating profit grew from $64.1 million to $124.9 million, an increase of 94.9%
over 2002 with an operating margin of 28.9% compared to 21.6% in 2002.  Research
and development costs increased to $28.7 million as the development of our
product pipeline gained momentum and increased 39.5% from the previous year. S,
G and A costs rose to $139.5 million this year, attributable to launch costs of
Femring(R) and additional salesforce hired to support the larger product range
we now promote.  For the year we generated cash of $207.8 million from our
operations, up from $93.4 million last year.

These excellent financial results reflect the strength and continued growth of
our underlying business and have encouraged your Board to recommend payment of a
final dividend of 2.4p per ordinary share, which represents a total for the year
of 3.6p, a 20% increase over the 3.0p declared for the previous year.  The final
dividend of 2.4p will be paid on 26 February 2004 to shareholders on the
register on 23 January 2004.

Corporate Activity

Galen is committed to continued growth in its rapidly expanding US
pharmaceutical business, which is built around the sales and marketing
capabilities of Warner Chilcott.  Last year, we divested our pharmaceutical
services businesses to free up resources for our ambitious growth plans in the
US pharmaceutical sector.  These divestitures raised approximately $235 million
in the 2002 financial year.

During the year ended 30 September 2003, the Company completed two major product
acquisitions in the women's healthcare category and negotiated a major strategic
alliance in dermatology.  Your directors believe that the impact of these
activities has greatly enhanced the Company's opportunities for growth.

In January 2003, we completed the acquisition of the US sales and marketing
rights for Sarafem(R) from Eli Lilly and Company.  Sarafem(R) (fluoxetine
hydrochloride) is a prescription treatment for pre-menstrual dysphoric disorder
(PMDD), a severe form of pre-menstrual syndrome, and was the first FDA-approved
product for this condition.  Launched by Lilly in 2000, Sarafem(R) had revenues
of approximately $80 million in the calendar year 2002. The cash consideration
for this transaction was approximately $295 million.

In March 2003, we acquired the oral contraceptives Loestrin(R) and Estrostep(R)
and in April an oral continuous estrogen-progestogen therapy, femhrt(R), from
Pfizer, Inc.  The total consideration for the transaction was approximately
$359.0 million, with up to a further $125 million contingent on the maintenance
of market exclusivity for Estrostep(R) to 2008 and femhrt(R) to 2010.  Loestrin
(R) is already subject to generic competition and is not subject to contingent
payments to Pfizer.  Total revenues for these products in the calendar year 2002
were $228.3 million.

These acquisitions complement our existing women's healthcare franchise.
Sarafem(R) represents a new non-hormonal therapy in a developing therapeutic
area.  Estrostep(R) and femhrt(R) were conceived by our CEO, Roger
Boissonneault, whilst at Warner-Lambert Company.  These products complement our
existing product line and greatly strengthen our position in three important
therapeutic areas in women's health.

During the year the Company has been engaged in legal proceedings against Barr
Laboratories for patent infringement in respect of Estrostep(R) and femhrt(R)
and Teva Pharmaceuticals USA Inc. for patent infringement in respect of Sarafem
(R).  In September 2003, Galen entered into letters of intent with Barr for a
transaction which would include a settlement of the femhrt(R) and Estrostep(R)
cases.  The settlement would allow Barr to launch generic versions of those
products six months prior to patent expiry.  These transactions are subject to
negotiation of definitive agreements, completion of due diligence and other
conditions, including Hart-Scott-Rodino antitrust review.  The trial in Galen's
case against Teva Pharmaceuticals USA Inc. is scheduled to begin on November 12
in the United States District Court for Indiana.

On 1 April 2003 we entered into a co-promotion agreement with Bristol-Myers
Squibb Company for Dovonex(R) and a development agreement with LEO Pharma A/S
for Dovobet(R).  This alliance represents a key milestone in the expansion of
our US dermatology franchise.  Dovonex(R) is a leading non-steroidal product in
the treatment of psoriasis and Dovobet(R), which is a combination of the active
agent in Dovonex(R) (calcipotriene) and the steroid betamethasone diproprionate,
gives us access to new treatment technology through a formal relationship with
one of the world's leading dermatology R&D companies.  Under the terms of the
agreement for Dovobet(R), Galen will pay LEO Pharma a total of $47 million by
the time Dovobet(R) progresses to full FDA approval, $40 million of which is
payable on approval.  In the case of Dovonex(R), the term of the co-promotion
agreement ends 31 December 2007 and between now and 1 January 2006, Galen has an
option to purchase Bristol-Myers Squibb's US rights to the product under
pre-negotiated terms; however BMS can refuse to sell its rights to Dovonex(R)
prior to 1 August 2005.  If Galen exercises its option on 1 August 2005
Bristol-Myers Squibb is obliged to conclude the purchase transaction by January
2006.  This is an exciting development in the evolution of our US dermatology
franchise and pipeline.

During this intensive period of corporate activity our balance sheet has
remained robust.  At 30th September 2003, net borrowings, including $48 million
of high yield (12.625%) bonds inherited at the time of the Warner Chilcott
acquisition, were $253.3 million.  We have in place a senior debt facility of
$450 million.  Of this, $200 million was drawn down at 31 March 2003 to finance
the acquisition of Estrostep(R) and Loestrin(R).  During April 2003, an
additional $150 million was utilised to complete the acquisition of femhrt(R).
Cash generated during the year was $207.8 million and cash at hand on 30th
September 2003 was $89.1 million.  The Company continues to generate strong
cashflow, complemented by the addition of the products acquired during the year.

Sales and Marketing

Our sales and marketing capabilities are the key contributor to our success.  We
have a proven track record of revitalising acquired products and successfully
launching new products in the United States, utilising precision marketing
techniques.  These techniques are used to target marketing of our key branded
products to high volume prescribing physicians and to employ our resources
effectively with a view to maximising growth in market share for our key
products.

During the past two years we have operated in the US with a salesforce of 226
persons.  This has given us the reach and frequency to achieve growth for our
major promoted products.  Your Board took the view that our continued strong
organic growth, combined with the expected impact of recent acquisitions of
products and product rights (Estrostep(R), femhrt(R) and Sarafem(R)), the launch
of a new product (Femring(R)) and our co-promotion agreement for Dovonex(R),
necessitated a re-organisation and expansion of our salesforce.  In January
2003, we commenced a programme to expand our salesforce to approximately 400
representatives organised into two teams:  Warner Chilcott Women's Healthcare
and Warner Chilcott Specialty.  We believe that this sales organisation reflects
our present promotional needs with an expanded product portfolio in both women's
healthcare and dermatology.

During the year we continued to make sales gains in our core therapeutic areas.
Total pharmaceutical product revenues for the period were $432.3 million
representing a 83.8% increase on the previous year.  Excluding the revenues for
products acquired during the year, the increase in promoted U.S. product
revenues over the previous period was a healthy 27%.  Revenues from the United
States now represent 83% of total revenues.

In women's healthcare, Galen now has products in three categories important to
our target clinician, the obstetrician and gynaecologist (OBGYN):
contraception, hormone therapy and premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD).  Our
oral contraceptive Ovcon(R) continues to grow strongly, with revenues in the
period of $58.6 million, up 29% over the previous year.  This is an excellent
platform for the launch of our new Ovcon(R) product, for which we received an
approvable letter in January 2003.  Estrostep(R) is a graduated estrogen oral
contraceptive which is promoted by our Warner Chilcott Specialty salesforce.
Since its acquisition in March 2003, Estrostep(R) has achieved revenues of $26.5
million.

In estrogen therapy, we launched Femring(R) in 2003.  To capitalise on
additional promotional platforms available we commenced a direct to consumer
(DTC) promotional campaign in September 2003 involving the use of both
television and print media.  This is the first time we have supported our sales
organisation in this manner and reflects the growing substance of the Company.

Although subject to generic substitution since 1996 and not actively promoted by
the Company, Estrace(R) tablets remain one of the most widely prescribed oral
estrogen therapy products in the United States.  Revenues for Estrace(R) tablets
in 2003 were $22.5 million, an increase of 10% on the previous year.  Our
strategic objective is to maintain market position until the launch of our
proprietary second generation tablet (FemtraceTM) which will be promoted as an
alternative to Estrace(R) tablets.  The NDA for FemtraceTM was submitted to the
FDA on October 14, 2003.  Estrace(R) cream, which is indicated for local
treatment of the local symptoms of menopause, such as vaginal dryness, continues
to make good progress and recorded revenues of $44.8 million, an increase of 23%
on the previous year.

Femhrt(R), acquired from Pfizer, Inc. in April 2003, is a combined
estrogen-progestogen therapy indicated for patients with an intact uterus.  This
completes our portfolio of hormone therapy products and complements Femring(R)
and eventually FemtraceTM tablets.  Revenues for femhrt(R) since the acquisition
in April 2003 were $22.6 million.

In dermatology, our pelletised formulation of doxycycline, Doryx(R), is the #1
branded oral tetracycline prescribed by US dermatologists for the treatment of
acne.  Revenues for this product, which is promoted by our Specialty salesforce,
increased to $54.1 million in the year ended 30 September 2003 representing a
28% increase over the previous year.  The introduction of a new 75 mg. dose in
January 2002 has improved the flexibility in the prescribing of this product.

Dovonex(R) was added to our dermatology franchise in May 2003.  In the early
years of the co-promotion programme, we do not anticipate major revenues from
this product.  However the opportunity for eventual acquisition and access to
Dovobet(R) provides an exciting opportunity to extend our dermatology franchise.

Research and Development

New products from internal development are a key element of our growth strategy
and the continued strong performance of the business has enabled us to make
significant increases in our investment in research and development.  This year
we invested $28.7 million in R&D, a 39.5% increase on the previous year.

Our R&D efforts are firmly focused on the development of proprietary products in
women's healthcare and dermatology.  During the year, we received final approval
for Femring(R), our vaginal estrogen therapy, and an approvable letter for a new
version of our Ovcon(R) oral contraceptive.

In women's healthcare, we have ongoing projects in contraception, estrogen
therapy, hormone therapy, infection control and female sexual dysfunction.  Our
estradiol acetate tablet (FemtraceTM) has completed phase III studies and an NDA
for the product was submitted to the FDA on October 14, 2003.  Our metronidazole
vaginal ring for the treatment of bacterial vaginosis is an early example of the
use of vaginal ring technology in local infection control and is well into Phase
III development with a target NDA submission date in the first half of 2004.
Our testosterone vaginal ring remains in Phase II as we evaluate the developing
regulatory position for the registration of products for the treatment of female
sexual dysfunction.

In dermatology, our alliance with LEO Pharma A/S for the development and
commercialisation of Dovobet(R) in the US adds a significant product to our
pipeline.  We are also progressing well with the development of a line extension
to further broaden our Doryx(R) franchise in acne with an NDA submission to the
FDA expected in early 2004.

Galen People

At the conclusion of our 2003 financial year Galen had 1,136 employees,
including 444 based in the US.  This represents an increase of 176 people over
the previous year-end and particularly reflects the expansion of the Warner
Chilcott salesforces during the year.  Galen Holdings has consistently delivered
financial performance in line with or in excess of expectation.  This
outstanding record would be impossible without the skills and dedication of all
colleagues within the Galen organisation.  We also recognise, with gratitude,
our non-executive Directors and their unstinting commitment to our shareholders,
as evidenced by the able discharge of their board duties, which have expanded
considerably during the past two years.

Outlook

The Galen Holdings business model is now firmly transformed to that of a
specialty pharmaceutical company with a clear geographic and therapeutic focus.
This transformation has been effected without any disruption in the expected
performance of the business, which is a great tribute to the strength and
commitment of our management team.  Our strategy for growth remains constant and
comprises three elements:

  * the continued growth of our pharmaceutical business;
  * the internal development of new proprietary products;
  * the acquisition and licensing of products that complement and strengthen
    our existing product range.

During the year we have made outstanding progress in all elements of the
business as we continue to build position in our market.  We have again achieved
record sales and profit growth.  This year's corporate activity has expanded our
product portfolio with products complementary to our existing therapies and our
investment in R&D was rewarded by our first major NDA approval in the United
States.  We believe our strategy is well set for the future and we approach our
2003/2004 financial year with much confidence.

Unaudited results for the year  ended 30 September 2003
Consolidated profit and loss account (UK GAAP)


                                                                                         Unaudited         Audited
                                                               Unaudited                      Year            Year
                                                             Quarter ended                   ended           ended
                                                             30 September                  30 Sept         30 Sept
                                                               2003           2002            2003            2002
                                                              $'000          $'000           $'000           $'000
Turnover
Pharmaceutical products                                     138,670         61,035         432,262         235,221
Pharmaceutical services - discontinued operations                 -          3,339               -          61,325
                                                            _______        _______         _______         _______
Total turnover                                              138,670         64,374         432,262         296,546
Cost of sales                                                20,869         19,020          77,152          89,983
                                                            _______        _______         _______         _______

Gross profit                                                117,801         45,354         355,110         206,563
                                                            _______        _______         _______         _______

Net operating expenses
Selling, general and administrative expenses                 44,406          8,196         139,471          81,433
Research and development                                      7,890          5,394          28,685          20,565
Goodwill amortisation                                         5,913          5,142          23,479          23,255
Intangibles amortisation                                     14,056          5,274          38,530          17,197
                                                            _______        _______         _______         _______

Total net operating expenses                                 72,265         24,006         230,165         142,450
                                                            _______        _______         _______         _______

Operating profit
Before amortisation of goodwill and intangibles:
Pharmaceutical products                                      65,505         32,332         186,954          94,690
Pharmaceutical services - discontinued operations                 -          (568)               -           9,875
                                                            _______        _______         _______         _______

Total before goodwill and intangibles amortisation           65,505         31,764         186,954         104,565
Goodwill amortisation                                       (5,913)        (5,142)        (23,479)        (23,255)
Intangibles amortisation                                   (14,056)        (5,274)        (38,530)        (17,197)
                                                            _______        _______         _______         _______

Total operating profit/(loss)
Pharmaceutical products                                      45,536         21,916         124,945          55,584
Pharmaceutical services - discontinued operations                 -          (568)               -           8,529
                                                            _______        _______         _______         _______
                                                             45,536         21,348         124,945          64,113
                                                            _______        _______         _______         _______

(Loss)/gain on sale of discontinued operations                    -       (11,225)               -         104,984
                                                            _______        _______         _______         _______

Investment income                                               327          3,851           3,188          10,894
                                                            _______        _______         _______         _______

Profit on ordinary activities before interest                45,863         13,974         128,133         179,991
Interest payable and similar charges                          4,584          3,865          11,752          30,592
                                                            _______        _______         _______         _______

Profit on ordinary activities before taxation                41,279         10,109         116,381         149,399
Tax on profit on ordinary activities                          7,280          5,147          22,345          13,461
                                                            _______        _______         _______         _______

Profit on ordinary activities after taxation                 33,999          4,962          94,036         135,938
Minority interests                                                -              -               -              46
                                                            _______        _______         _______         _______

Profit for the financial period                              33,999          4,962          94,036         135,892
Dividends                                                     7,330          5,718          10,804           8,353
                                                            _______        _______         _______         _______

Retained profit/(loss) for the financial period              26,669          (756)          83,232         127,539
                                                            _______        _______         _______         _______

Earnings per share (cents)                                     18.5            2.7            51.2            73.4
Diluted earnings per share (cents)                             18.4            2.7            51.0            72.9
Adjusted earnings per share (cents)                            29.6           15.9            85.2            47.8
Adjusted diluted earnings per share (cents)                    29.3           15.9            84.8            47.5
                                                            _______        _______         _______         _______



Unaudited results for the year ended 30 September 2003
Consolidated balance sheet (UK GAAP)

                                                                                    Unaudited           Audited
                                                                                         2003              2002
                                                                                        $'000             $'000
Fixed assets
Intangible assets                                                                   1,455,586           756,672
Tangible assets                                                                        62,094            60,840
                                                                                    _________         _________
                                                                                    1,517,680           817,512
                                                                                    _________         _________

Current assets
Stocks                                                                                 32,808            26,902
Debtors                                                                                48,866            37,260
Cash at bank and in hand                                                               89,073           313,012
                                                                                    _________         _________

                                                                                      170,747           377,174
Creditors: amounts falling due within one year                                        226,027            75,866
                                                                                    _________         _________

Net current (liabilities)/assets                                                     (55,280)           301,308
                                                                                    _________         _________

Total assets less current liabilities                                               1,462,400         1,118,820
Creditors: amounts falling due after more than  one year                              334,567            50,953
Provisions for liabilities and charges                                                      -             3,410
Deferred income                                                                         5,931             6,189
                                                                                    _________         _________

Net assets                                                                          1,121,902         1,058,268
                                                                                    _________         _________

Capital and reserves
Called up share capital                                                                29,644            29,578
Share premium account                                                                 383,219           382,749
Capital redemption reserve                                                                323               323
Merger reserve                                                                        457,800           457,800
Profit and loss account                                                               250,916           187,818
                                                                                    _________         _________

Equity shareholders' funds                                                          1,121,902         1,058,268
                                                                                    _________         _________



Unaudited results for the year ended 30 September 2003
Consolidated cash flow statement (UK GAAP)

                                                                                       Unaudited       Audited
                                                               Unaudited                    Year          Year
                                                             Quarter ended                 ended         ended
                                                              30 September               30 Sept       30 Sept
                                                               2003         2002            2003          2002
                                                              $'000        $'000           $'000         $'000
Net cash inflow from operating activities                    70,698       28,060         207,822        93,354
                                                             ______       ______         _______        ______
Returns on investments and servicing of finance
Interest paid                                               (6,969)      (8,945)        (11,502)      (35,174)
Interest received                                               327        3,886           4,091        10,815
                                                             ______       ______         _______        ______

                                                            (6,642)      (5,059)         (7,411)      (24,359)
                                                             ______       ______         _______        ______
Taxation
Corporation tax paid                                       (22,672)      (3,142)        (31,243)       (6,634)
                                                             ______       ______         _______        ______

Capital expenditure
Purchase of tangible fixed assets                             (718)      (2,976)         (6,164)      (17,086)
Sales of tangible fixed assets                                    -            -              40             -
Purchase of intangible fixed assets                         (1,586)        (831)       (669,229)      (43,694)
Government grant received                                        29        1,348             530         2,161
                                                             ______       ______         _______        ______

                                                            (2,275)      (2,459)       (674,823)      (58,619)
                                                             ______       ______         _______        ______

Acquisitions and disposals
Sale of businesses (net of costs)                                 -       16,534           (324)       230,789
Acquisition costs and deferred consideration payments             -        (174)               -       (9,118)
                                                             ______       ______         _______        ______

                                                                  -       16,360           (324)       221,671
                                                             ______       ______         _______        ______

Equity dividends paid                                       (3,474)      (2,800)         (9,241)       (7,352)
                                                             ______       ______         _______        ______

Net cash flow before management of liquid resources and      35,635       30,960       (515,220)       218,061
financing
                                                             ______       ______         _______        ______

Management of liquid resources
Decrease in short term deposits                              13,900       83,286         215,400        27,523
                                                             ______       ______         _______        ______

Financing
Issue of ordinary share capital (net of expenses)               240          114             535           247
Purchase of own shares                                            -     (11,813)               -      (11,813)
Loan notes repaid                                           (2,925)     (13,364)         (2,925)     (112,623)
Loans (repaid)/received (net)                              (51,518)    (106,239)         294,085     (132,126)
Principal repayment under hire purchase agreements            (139)        (114)           (414)         (549)
                                                             ______       ______         _______        ______

                                                           (54,342)    (131,416)         291,281     (256,864)
                                                             ______       ______         _______        ______

Decrease in cash in the period                              (4,807)     (17,170)         (8,539)      (11,280)
                                                             ______       ______         _______        ______


Unaudited results for the year ended 30 September 2003

Notes to results

1                    Basis of preparation

The financial information set out in this announcement does not constitute the
Company's statutory accounts for the years ended 30 September 2003 or 2002. The
financial information for the year ended 30 September 2002 is derived from the
statutory accounts for that year which have been delivered to the Registrar of
Companies. The auditors reported on those accounts and their report was
unqualified and did not contain a statement under either Article 245(2) or
Article 245(3) of the Companies (Northern Ireland) Order 1986.  The financial
information for the year ended 30 September 2003 has been prepared using the
same accounting policies as adopted in the Company's statutory accounts for the
year ended 30 September 2002.  The statutory accounts for the year ended 30
September 2003 will be finalised on the basis of the financial information
presented by the directors in this preliminary announcement and will be
delivered to the Registrar of Companies following the Company's Annual General
Meeting.

2                    Earnings per share

Earnings per ordinary share is based on profit for the financial year of
$94,036,000 (2002: $135,892,000) and on 183,574,057 ordinary shares (2002:
185,244,963) the weighted average number of ordinary shares in issue during the
year, excluding those held in the employee share trust.

Adjusted earnings per share reflects the results before the impact of
exceptional items and amortisation of goodwill and intangibles and in the
opinion of the directors provides a clearer understanding of the underlying
trading performance of the group.

Diluted earnings per share is calculated using an adjusted number of shares
reflecting the number of dilutive shares under option.

The weighted average numbers of shares used in the calculation of earnings per
share are as follows:

                                                   Quarter ended 30 September        Year ended 30 September
                                                            2003            2002            2003            2002
                                                       Number of       Number of       Number of       Number of
                                                          shares          shares          shares          shares
Weighted average number of shares:
Basic                                                183,580,981     185,169,784     183,574,057     185,244,963
Diluted                                              185,186,185     185,712,518     184,504,240     186,330,634


                                                            2003            2002            2003           2002
Adjusted earnings per share                                cents           cents           cents          cents
Statutory earnings per ordinary share                       18.5             2.7            51.2           73.4
Adjustments (net of tax):
Loss/(gain) on sale of businesses                              -             7.0               -         (54.5)
Goodwill and intangibles amortisation                       10.9             5.6            33.8           21.8
Premium paid on notes redemption                             0.2             0.6             0.2            7.1

                                                           _____           _____           _____          _____
Adjusted earnings per share - basic                         29.6            15.9            85.2           47.8
                                                           _____           _____           _____          _____


3                     Reconciliation of operating profit to net cash inflow from
operating activities

                                                              Quarter ended              Year ended
                                                               30 September             30 September
                                                                 2003        2002        2003         2002
                                                                $'000       $'000       $'000        $'000
Operating profit                                               45,536      21,348     124,945       64,113
Depreciation                                                    2,289       1,610       6,791        8,769
Amortisation of intangibles                                    19,969      10,416      62,009       40,452
Capital grants release                                          (305)       (279)     (1,135)      (1,576)
Loss on sale of tangible fixed assets                             144           -         240            -
(Increase)/decrease in stocks                                 (4,086)       3,225     (5,906)      (1,186)
Decrease/(increase) in debtors                                 23,966     (2,701)     (8,399)     (10,080)
(Decrease)/increase in creditors                             (16,872)     (5,400)      29,897           89
Exchange difference                                                57       (159)       (620)      (7,227)
                                                               ______      ______     _______       ______
Net cash inflow from operating activities                      70,698      28,060     207,822       93,354
                                                               ______      ______     _______       ______


4                     Final dividend

The final dividend will be paid on 26 February 2004 to shareholders on the
register on 23 January 2004.

Summary of differences between UK and US Generally Accepted Accounting
Principles ("GAAP")

(1)               Profit for the financial year and shareholders' funds

The group financial statements are prepared in accordance with UK GAAP which
differs in certain significant respects from US GAAP.  The effect of the US GAAP
adjustments to profit for the financial period and equity shareholders' funds
are set out in the tables below:

                                                                                           Year ended
                                                                                          30 September
                                                                                            2003            2002
                                                                                           $'000           $'000
                                                                                            Unaudited
(a)           Reconciliation of profit for the financial year to US GAAP
Profit for the financial period under UK GAAP                                             94,036         135,892
                                                                                          ______         _______
US GAAP adjustments:
Amortisation of goodwill                                                                  23,479          23,255
Impact of discounted contingent consideration                                                500               -
Amortisation of intangibles                                                              (3,793)         (2,300)
Capitalisation of interest                                                                  (53)            (53)
Deferred taxation                                                                       (19,754)        (11,735)
Compensation expense                                                                       1,301           (322)
Deferred tax effect of US GAAP adjustments                                                   439             439
                                                                                          ______         _______
US GAAP adjustments total                                                                  2,119           9,284
                                                                                          ______         _______
Profit for the financial period under US GAAP                                             96,155         145,176
                                                                                          ______         _______


                                                                                            As at
                                                                                        30 September
                                                                                             2003           2002
                                                                                            $'000          $'000
                                                                                        Unaudited

(b)           Effect on equity shareholders' funds of differences between UK GAAP
and US GAAP
Equity shareholders' funds under UK GAAP                                                1,121,902      1,058,268

                                                                                        _________      _________
US GAAP adjustments:
Acquisition accounting                                                                  (114,896)      (133,382)
Impact of discounted contingent consideration                                               1,700              -
Functional currency adjustment                                                             21,906              -
Capitalisation of interest                                                                  2,501          2,554
Deferred taxation                                                                        (43,318)       (24,200)
Employee benefit trust                                                                   (11,459)       (11,153)
Share premium account                                                                      11,459         11,153
Dividends                                                                                   7,330          5,767
                                                                                        _________      _________
US GAAP adjustments total                                                               (124,777)      (149,261)
                                                                                        _________      _________
Equity shareholders' funds under US GAAP                                                  997,125        909,007
                                                                                        _________      _________


Unaudited consolidated balance sheets (US GAAP)
(In thousands of US dollars)


                                                                                       As at 30 September
                                                                                            2003           2002
Assets
Current assets:
  Cash and cash equivalents                                                               89,073        313,012
  Accounts receivable, net                                                                38,042         32,869
  Inventories                                                                             32,808         26,902
  Deferred tax asset                                                                           -          7,718
  Prepaid expense and other assets                                                         6,808          4,397
                                                                                       _________      _________
                                                                                         166,731        384,898
                                                                                       _________      _________
Property, plant and equipment, net                                                        64,594         63,394
Intangible assets, net                                                                 1,114,106        381,731
Goodwill                                                                                 224,934        242,208
                                                                                       _________      _________
Total assets                                                                           1,570,365      1,072,231
                                                                                       _________      _________
Liabilities
Current liabilities:
  Accounts payable                                                                        19,592         14,007
  Accrued and other liabilities                                                           75,848         44,053
  Current instalments of long-term debt                                                  103,088            616
  Current instalments of obligation under capital leases                                     233            392
  Income taxes                                                                            17,442         11,052
                                                                                       _________      _________
Total current liabilities                                                                216,203         70,120
                                                                                       _________      _________         
Other liabilities:
  Long-term debt, excluding current instalments                                          239,065         50,729
  Long-term obligations under capital leases, excluding current instalments                    3            224
  Deferred income taxes                                                                  112,038         35,962
  Other non-current liabilities                                                            5,931          6,189
                                                                                       _________      _________         
                                                                                           
Total liabilities                                                                        573,240        163,224
                                                                                       _________      _________         
Shareholders' equity
Ordinary shares, par value (pounds sterling) 0.10 per share; 250,000,000                  30,046         29,981
(September 30, 2002; 250,000,000) shares authorised 188,209,895 shares issued
and outstanding at September 30, 2003 and 187,805,263 issued and outstanding at
September 30, 2002
Additional paid in capital                                                               676,841        677,475
Retained earnings                                                                        266,242        179,328
Treasury stock                                                                          (11,473)       (11,473)
Accumulated other comprehensive gains                                                     35,469         33,696
                                                                                       _________      _________         
Total shareholders' equity                                                               997,125        909,007
                                                                                       _________      _________         
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity                                             1,570,365      1,072,231
                                                                                       _________      _________         


Unaudited consolidated statement of operations (US GAAP)
(In thousands of US dollars, except per share data)

                                                        Quarter ended                        Year ended
                                                        September 30                        September 30
                                                           2003             2002              2003              2002
Revenues
Product revenue                                         138,670           61,035           432,262           235,221
                                                        _______          _______           _______           _______
Operating expenses
  Cost of sales (excluding depreciation                  19,638           15,814            72,656            51,550
shown separately below)
  Selling, general and administrative                    41,806            6,635           135,875            64,530
  Research and development                                7,890            5,374            28,685            19,783
  Depreciation                                            2,302            1,401             6,844             5,323
  Amortisation                                           14,612            5,517            42,323            19,497
                                                        _______          _______           _______           _______

Total operating expenses                                 86,248           34,741           286,383           160,683
                                                        _______          _______           _______           _______

Operating income                                         52,422           26,294           145,879            74,538
                                                        _______          _______           _______           _______

Other income (expense)
  Interest income                                           326            3,850             3,188            10,816
  Interest expense                                      (4,083)          (3,825)          (11,252)          (29,652)
                                                        _______          _______           _______           _______

Total other income (expense)                            (3,757)               25           (8,064)          (18,836)
                                                        _______          _______           _______           _______

Income before taxes                                      48,665           26,319           137,815            55,702
                                                        _______          _______           _______           _______

Provision for income taxes                               18,030           10,756            41,660            18,654
                                                        _______          _______           _______           _______

Income from continuing operations                        30,635           15,563            96,155            37,048
Discontinued operations:
Earnings from discontinued operations (net                    -            (218)                 -             7,037
of tax charge of $2,213)
(Loss)/gain on disposal of discontinued                       -         (12,956)                 -           101,091
operations (net of tax charge of $3,893)
                                                        _______          _______           _______           _______

Net income                                               30,635            2,389            96,155           145,176
                                                        _______          _______           _______           _______

Basic and diluted net income per ordinary
share:
- continuing operations                                    0.17             0.08              0.52              0.20
- earnings and gain on discontinued                           -           (0.07)                 -              0.58
operations
                                                        _______          _______           _______           _______

Basic and diluted net income per ordinary                  0.17             0.01              0.52              0.78
share
                                                        _______          _______           _______           _______

Basic net income per ADS equivalent:
- continuing operations                                    0.67             0.34              2.10              0.80
- earnings and gain on discontinued                           -           (0.29)                 -              2.33
operations
                                                        _______          _______           _______           _______

Basic net income per ADS equivalent                        0.67             0.05              2.10              3.13
                                                        _______          _______           _______           _______


Diluted net income per ADS equivalent:
- continuing operations                                    0.66             0.33              2.09              0.80
- earnings and gain from discontinued                         -           (0.28)                 -              2.32
operations
                                                        _______          _______           _______           _______

Diluted net income per ADS equivalent                      0.66             0.05              2.09              3.12
                                                        _______          _______           _______           _______


Weighted average ordinary shares outstanding
Basic                                               183,580,981      185,169,784       183,574,057       185,244,963
                                                        _______          _______           _______           _______

Diluted                                             185,186,185      185,712,518       184,504,240       186,330,634
                                                        _______          _______           _______           _______

Weighted average ADS equivalents outstanding
Basic                                                45,895,245       46,292,446        45,893,514        46,311,241
                                                        _______          _______           _______           _______

Diluted                                              46,296,546       46,428,130        46,126,060        46,582,659
                                                        _______          _______           _______           _______


Unaudited consolidated statements of cash flows (US GAAP)
(In thousands of US dollars)
                                                                    Quarter ended                  Year ended
                                                                    September 30                  September 30
                                                                       2003          2002           2003           2002
Cash flows from operating activities
Net income                                                           30,635         2,389         96,155        145,176
Adjustment to reconcile net income to net cash provided by
operating activities:
Depreciation                                                          2,302         1,563          6,844          8,751
Amortisation of intangibles                                          14,612         5,517         42,323         19,497
Loss/(profit) on sale of businesses                                       -        11,226              -      (104,984)
Loss on sale of assets                                                  144             -            240              -
Amortisation of government grants                                     (305)         (247)        (1,135)        (1,576)
Loan notes premium adjustment                                         (122)         (744)          (265)        (3,723)
Stock compensation expense                                          (1,542)            81        (1,301)            323
Minority interest                                                         -                            -             47
Changes in assets and liabilities:
Decrease/(increase) in accounts receivable, prepaid expense          23,877           733        (7,584)       (12,859)
and other assets
(Increase)/decrease in inventories                                  (4,086)         2,343        (5,906)        (3,005)
(Decrease)/increase in accounts payable, accrued                   (19,640)       (8,786)         29,851          4,535
liabilities and other liabilities
Income taxes                                                        (4,515)        11,831         10,528         19,357
Foreign exchange (loss)/gain                                             18       (2,862)          (673)          1,839

                                                                      _____         _____          _____          _____
Net cash provided by operating activities                            41,378        23,044        169,077         73,378

                                                                      _____         _____          _____          _____
Cash flows from investing activities
Purchase of tangible fixed assets                                     (718)       (2,856)        (6,164)       (17,301)
Purchase of intangible fixed assets                                 (1,586)             -      (669,229)       (42,037)
Proceeds from sale of tangible fixed assets                               -             -             40              -
Proceeds from sale of businesses                                          -        12,448              -        228,574
Deferred consideration and acquisition costs                              -             -          (324)        (8,772)

                                                                      _____         _____          _____          _____
Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities                 (2,304)         9,592      (675,677)        160,464

                                                                      _____         _____          _____          _____
Cash flows from financing activities
Loan notes repaid                                                   (2,925)      (12,200)        (2,925)      (111,300)
Long term debt (repaid)/obtained                                   (51,518)     (111,781)        294,085      (138,010)
Payments under capital leases                                         (139)         (112)          (414)          (557)
Proceeds from share capital issue (net of expenses)                     240            24            535            156
Purchase of own shares                                                    -      (12,478)              -       (12,478)
Cash dividends paid                                                 (3,474)       (2,887)        (9,241)        (7,352)
Government grants received                                               29         1,409            530          2,241

                                                                      _____         _____          _____          _____
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities                (57,787)     (138,025)        282,570      (267,300)

                                                                      _____         _____          _____          _____
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents                          (18,713)     (105,389)      (224,030)       (33,458)
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period                      107,779       410,367        313,012        326,076
Foreign exchange adjustment on cash and cash equivalents                  7         8,034             91         20,394

                                                                      _____         _____          _____          _____
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period                             89,073       313,012         89,073        313,012

                                                                      _____         _____          _____          _____




                      This information is provided by RNS
            The company news service from the London Stock Exchange
END

FR IFFVLLTLILIV