OptiBiotix Health Share News (OPTI)

(Sharecast News) - OptiBiotix Health posted a sharp rise in revenue and gross profit for the six months ended 30 June on Monday, as the life sciences company continued to expand its commercial footprint across Asia, the US and online channels.

The AIM-traded firm reported a 102% increase in gross revenue to £0.56m and a 173% increase in gross profit to £0.3m, with margins improving to 54%, up from 40% a year earlier.

It said the number of ecommerce customers rose by 38% to 5,095, as it added 30 new customers in Asia during the period.

The company also secured a six-metric-tonne order from Australian distributor Brenntag, and launched products in the US with two new partners, including a major weight management brand that is planning a launch in Walmart later in 2025.

Administrative costs, excluding share-based payments and depreciation, were broadly stable at £1.14m.

The firm ended the half with a cash balance of £1.3m.

OptiBiotix said the strong start to 2025 built on growth in the prior year, with momentum expected to continue into the second half as the benefits of recent product launches, international expansion, and cost-saving measures feed through.

Additional margin improvements were expected from volume discounts, reduced intellectual property costs, and lower manufacturing costs through Asian supply chains.

"The strong growth in 2024 has continued at an increased momentum into the first half of 2025 with sales growth across all areas of business," said CEO Stephen O'Hara.

"Equally important are the changes we made to reduce costs and improve margins ... which should have a greater impact in the second half and into 2026."

He added that the company's multi-channel, multi-territory approach, supported by regulatory approvals in key markets and a growing network of global partners, provided a strong base for further growth.

With additional licence revenue from its SweetBiotix platform expected in the second half, and operational cost reductions beginning to take effect, the board said it was confident in OptiBiotix's ability to achieve profitability and deliver long-term value for shareholders.

At 1131 BST, shares in OptiBiotix Health were up 0.87% at 11.6p.

Reporting by Josh White for Sharecast.com.