Mecure expands cancer centre with N6.4bn, medicine sales jump 69% in 2025

Drug maker MeCure Industries Plc invested N6.41 billion in its cancer centre in 2025 for the production of isotopes, a radiopharmaceutical substance used in cancer detection and treatment.

According to the company’s 2025 financial statement seen by Economy Post, the investment represents an 11 percent increase from N5.79 billion earmarked for the same purpose in 2024. The cancer centre falls within the administrative control of Mecure Healthcare, a subsidiary of Mecure Industries Plc.

“MeCure Industries Plc will be entitled to 30% of the revenue generated,” the company said.

Medicine sales soar

The company’s sales soared by 69 percent in 2025 to N77.69 billion, up from N46.027 billion in 2024. Profit for the year nearly tripled to N6.46 billion, up from N2.328 billion reported in the previous year. Acute medicines proved to be the major driver of the company’s revenue in 2025, making a 55 percent contribution to the top-line.

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Mecure says acute medicines are used for short-term conditions like infections, pain, or fever. They treat everyday health challenges faced by Nigerians. They are typically prescribed for immediate relief and are not meant for long-term use. Examples include: antibiotics (Amoxy Clav, LACLOX) and pain relievers (Diclofenac). The drug maker earned N42.57 billion from acute medicines in 2025, up from N25.217 billion in 2024.

Next to acute medicines are over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, which contributed N17.314 billion, representing an 18,4 percent share of the total revenue. The company defines OTCs as medicines that can be purchased without prescriptions. They are usually used for common ailments such as colds, coughs, headaches, and minor pains. Examples include: ZAPAR tablets (pain relief) and COFOFF syrup (cough medicine).

Next are supplements, which had a revenue share of 11.2 percent, bringing in N8.69 billion for the drug maker. These are vitamins and
dietary aids that help improve general health and wellness. They are not necessarily for treating diseases but help with deficiencies.
Examples include ZEVIT (a multivitamin) and Vita Ace (a vitamin supplement).

Following them are chronic drugs, which brought in a revenue of N5.35 billion, marking a 7 percent contribution to the group. Chronic medicines are used for long-term conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, or heart disease. They are taken regularly to manage ongoing health issues. Examples include Lisinopril (for blood pressure) and Metformin (for diabetes).

Sales of narcotics were 5th on the list of segmental contribution, bringing in N2.52 billion in 2025, up from N1.49 billion reported in the previous year. The company explains that narcotics are controlled substances used primarily for pain management. They are strictly regulated due to their potential for abuse. An example from the list is Tramez 100mg (a strong painkiller).

Promotional sales brought in N1.24 billion for Mecure Industries, up from N736.85 million in 2024.

Debt service reserves

As of 31st December 2025, Mecure Industries had a debt service reserve of $209,926.71 invested in Cordros
Capital by Greenwich Trustees on behalf of infracredit/Mecure Industries against the long term loan of N10 billion Bank of Industry facility with a 7-year tenor. This means the company invested $209,926 in Cordros and planned to use the money to offset its debt.

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“The amount remains and is not available for general use by the Company. The recovery of this amount is contingent upon the settlement of the underlying obligation or fulfillment of specific conditions agreed upon with the bank. Management believes that the likelihood of recovery is [probable/possible], and the Company will recognize the asset in the financial statements once realization is virtually certain, in accordance with IAS 37 – Provisions, Contingent Liabilities, and Contingent Assets,” the drug maker noted.

Rising costs

There are, however, rising costs in some segments. The cost of repairs and maintenance jumped 128 percent to N86854 million in 2025, from N380.83 million in 2024. Marketing expenses rose to N4.54 billion, up from N2.405 billion in 2024.

Utilities cost N1.86 billion to maintain in 2025, as against N1.078 billion the previous year, with the company incurring a foreign exchange loss of N237.561 million in 2025, from N110.49 million in 2024.