Zentiva's 2008 Company Day was held in the Spanish Hall of Prague Castle. Over 500 employees attended the event, which featured speeches by CEO Jiři Michal and entertainer Marek Eben. The cultural program included performances by a baroque orchestra and children's opera ensemble. The event celebrated Zentiva's achievements and successes over the past year, including two acquisitions and emphasis on effectiveness that led to increased profits.

1. number 177
november 2008
Even a Piece of the Unknown must be overcome in Research
Zentiva ČR 2008 Company Day
Cytostatic Drugs Agents against Cancer

2. Excellent Results were Pharmaceutical
achieved in Nine Months Mosaic
of the Year
R
eady to the crucial jump to sink into the
Japanese arms, Ranbaxy had forgotten
how important it was to maintain basic vi-
tal functions and has got into large problems in
America being so important for it. Distribution of
more than thirty products has been suspended
because of non-adherence to rules of the good
manufacturing practice in two factories in India.
A
nother biosimilar (filgrastime) – a drug aga-
inst neutropenia – has been approved
in Europe. Teva, Ratiopharm and CT are
based on one development. At the same time,
the resistance to intentional prescribing biologi-
cal originals and biosimilars seems to weaken.
The resistance proceeded primarily from Amgen
owing to a loss of their epoetin position due to an
influence of generics launched onto the German
market at the beginning of the year.
Zleva: V. Kudynová, J. Belčík, J. Michal
T
he Olympic Games against humanity. It mi-
ght be a really attractive newspaper hea-
The successful integration of our Turkish company and the emphasis on effec- ding. Nevertheless, a curious situation with
tiveness resulted in elevation of profit at the end of September, amounting to a similar outcome has occurred in South Afri-
2,361.2 million of CZK. The results have confirmed that the Management meets ca where fall-outs of deliveries of pharmaceuti-
their crucial goals, i.e. the growth of sales and the enhancement of profitabili- cal substances from China associated with the
ty. The overall sales increased by 17.7 % in nine months, with Eczacibasi-Zentiva Games induced serious disorders on the local
contributing most of all to such outcome. Based on its economic results for the market. Numerous chemical factories surroun-
first nine months, Zentiva has confirmed its directing towards fulfillment of goals ding Peking had been closed by China to „cle-
as set up for the whole 2008. an-up” the air and to improve the reputation of
the country.
Apart from others, the following was presented by Jiří Michal, the Chairman of
M
the Board and the C.E.O., at the press conference held on Monday November onoclonal antibodies are facing a clear
10th: „The results published by us show that when the exchange rate is con- future not only in the treatment of nume-
stant we are achieving the growth of sales as expected and we manage to en- rous malignancies, but also rheumatic
hance the effectiveness of significantly extended undertaking activities. In Tur- diseases. The latest novelty applies to successful
key, we are going on in integration of the company Eczacibasi-Zentiva and we clinical trials with canakinumab (Novartis) for the
think that this market will contribute to our growth in next years. In the Czech treatment of both rheumatic arthritis and some
Republic, our sales were under the pressure owing to the introduction of man- rarer, nevertheless, devastating pediatric forms
datory fees at physicians and per a prescription; in Romania, we have managed of autoimmunity inflammatory diseases. In some
to make our organization slimmer. The present development gives evidence cases the control of the disease was reached for
about the potential of the expanded and balanced structure of Zentiva – the ex- as long as ninety days after one injection.
tended regional operation has brought us an access to a higher number of pa-
A
tients. I am convinced that our potential to cope with rather complex economic nother star-like antibody – denosumab
conditions facing us is good.” (Amgen) – can serve as an example for the
treatment of osteoporosis. If alendronate in
Jozef Belčík, the new Director General of Zentiva a.s. in the Czech Republic, a single dose per six months has been replaced
was introduced to journalists at the Press Conference. He informed that the pri- by it, the efficacy of the treatment has been im-
ority of Zentiva would consist in providing its customers with complex treatment proved in comparison with patients continuing in
in a particular therapeutic sphere, i.e. in a switch from the product management alendronate therapy further on.
to the portfolio management. The goal will encompass offering the complex so-
F
lution to pharmacists and physicians. In this context, Zentiva has an advantage inally, a very effective inhalation corticoid
of knowledge of regions onto which it will still focus; more intensive collabora- for the treatment of asthma – ciclesonide –
tion with regional hospitals is reckoned with, too. Although it is crucial for Zenti- has appeared also on the market in Ameri-
va to meet needs of regions, the patient should remain the most important for it. ca. It is sold there by Sepracor in Nycomed licen-
se. Ciclesonide is being successfully marketed in
See the web column regarding facts written about us in order to learn what was more than thirty countries of the world.
written about the Press Conference by media.
Roman Lapka
Martin Fuk Intellectual Property Director

3. Obsah
2
Jan Šotola, the
interview 2
Even a Piece of the Unknown must
R&D Director, was be overcome in Research
interviewed to inform from Zentiva life 4
us about the Research Zentiva ČR 2008 Company Day
and Development from Zentiva life 6
management in our Psychology is my Assistant
international company. People 8
Inquiry
from Zentiva life 9
4
Zentiva ČR 2008
Waste Management
Written about us 10
A Day with…12
Company Day will be ... Kader Çömlekçi
recalled through our Mix 14
photo-reportage. The Olympic Games in Soul
a Bombastic Event and
Unforgettable Experiences…
News 16
Cytostatic Drugs Agents against
Cancer
6
How it is possible to
from Zentiva life 18
The Visual Style of Zentiva One
name, one brand, one visual style...
grow up in the position
hobby 20
of one of the most
successful Zentiva Shi-take Mushrooms searching
representatives can their Way to our Kitchens
mix 22
be learnt from Jana
Hrádelová. IBALGIN decorating Ears of the
popular Zuzana Norisova
9
A Waste-Management
serial consisting of
several parts has been
commenced in this
Qalt issue.
Qalt 177
Zentiva Company Periodical, issued monthly (except
for July), volume XVII, number 177
18
Editorial Board: Eva Balónová, Monika Fialová,
Sylvie Hájková Wagnerová, Hana Chromková, Věra Kudynová,
Alexandra Morávková, Radvan Palyza, Josef Pavel, Miroslav
Strižinec, Václav Tomášek, Jaromír Vích, Petra Víková;
The visual style of Technical cooperation: Jarmila Ničová;
Zentiva and what is Editorial Office Address: Zentiva, a. s., redakce časopisu
Qalt, U Kabelovny 130, 102 37 Praha 10, e-mail:
important in it is being Josef.Pavel@zentiva.cz, Alexandra.Moravkova@zentiva.sk;
described in greater Design and Production: Boomerang Publishing, s. r. o.;
Print: VČT; ProSignum T – Advertising Company;
detail by Karel Navrátil, Number of copies: 1400 pcs. (CZ), 1000 pcs. (SK);
the Corporate Identity Closing date of the issue: 10. October 2008
Cover: Technology PTLF Zentiva Czech Republic
Manager.
Data are valid as to the date of the closure. Changes in
data presented or printing errors are reserved.

4. Even a Piece of the Unknown
must be overcome in Research
The success of the It is relatively long ago we effects of the drug on the organ- collaboration with enterpris-
whole pharmaceutical were speaking with you on ism of patients has been suc- es in Turkey. How the com-
firm is usually Qalt pages last time. The first cessfully carried out in the new munication is today running
preceded by the question is thus evident – pharmaceutical form of Ibalgin. between Czech, Slovak and
what is new in your Research Turkish development workers?
success in the field
and Development Unit? Does it mean an end for the Primarily, I wish to remind that
of research and
I will start with my statement that popular pink tablets? three of the products in which
development. And this year is extraordinarily suc- Certainly not! Only a tablet with the aforesaid bioequivalence
thus we called on cessful for us. After not quite a quickly soluble salt of ibupro- study was carried out come
Jan Šotola, the R&D a good start, first more signifi- fen has been developed by us. from Eczacibaşi developmen-
Director, and asked cant successes were achieved The tablet is coated, and hence tal laboratories, which is to say
him again over some in the course of the spring pe- the bitter taste of ibuprofen is that the ability of our colleagues
time to know how riod, and this trend is still con- sufficiently masked, of course. in Turkey to develop and pass
Zentiva Research tinuing. So far, eight bioequiva- The quick effect of the given products meeting European
and Development lence studies and a therapeu- dosage form has been demon- standards and marketing author-
had been doing in tic one have been successfully strated on a sample of several ization requirements has been
completed. This fact allows us to hundreds of patients to whom a confirmed. We started to meet
previous months and
hope it is not just a change but wisdom tooth was extracted and sometimes in the middle of last
what was new in this
an outcome of certain organiza- to whom also the original drug year, getting acquainted with
field. tional and process changes and, resp. placebo were given apart one another, going through indi-
above all, changes in the way of from our product. But I am pro- vidual projects and seeking for
thinking and communication of viding much too details, aren’t I. common language when solv-
people recorded by me all over ing them. Thereafter, we have
the Unit in recent time. You have mentioned an un- agreed upon utilization of the
doubted success of the re- joint information system and
Can you describe the above search; does it mean that monitoring of projects, reach-
mentioned studies in great- more than expected has been ing thus gradually a very good
er detail? managed? standard of the communica-
Generally, bioequivalence stud- It is a success because we have tion. Today, we meet once in two
text: Kateřina Jurigová photo: Petr Adámek
ies are devised to demonstrate met the plan. In our research months in Turkey with an aim to
equivalence of drugs being de- and development, success can discuss what is new and how to
veloped as compared to an orig- be spoken about when the plan proceed.
inal product by means of the so is being completely fulfilled or at
called pharmacokinetic study least met in the majority of cases Is there anything you would
when the drug is administered to because in vitro behavior of sub- like to add?
volunteers and concentrations stances, i.e. in laboratory condi- I would like to add that also
of active ingredients or contents tions, does not provide a reliable chemistry in Turkey is doing very
of metabolites are measured in answer to the question of its be- well. This year, the manufacture
their blood. Generally speaking, havior in vivo, i.e. in the human of one chemical substance has
the studies applied to drugs be- organism. There is always some- been switched to Turkey and the
longing to our strong spheres thing unknown between these work on another such switch is
such as the cardiovascular to types of behavior and it must ongoing. Although patent-pro-
sphere, central nervous sys- be overcome in a hope we have tected in the Czech Republic
tem, gastroenterology and urol- done everything we could and and in Slovakia, the given sub-
ogy. At present, all these prod- in a hope to be lucky a little bit. stance may be manufactured in
ucts are at various stages of the And maybe that was just miss- Turkey already now, it may be
interview
process of marketing authoriza- ing to us at the commencement offered to patent-free territo-
tion or preparation of marketing of the year. ries and, besides that, it can be
authorization dossiers. The ther- used for preparation of our prop-
apeutic study which is – on the I suppose that much time er pharmaceutical form. It is an-
contrary – the so called pharma- has been devoted in your other evidence of our bilaterally
codynamic one and is to find out Unit to an establishment of beneficial collaboration.
2 qalt 177

5. 67
developmental
workers are in-
volved at pre-
sent in research
and develop-
ment in Turkey
200
developmen-
tal employees
work in Prague
R&D unit at Dol-
ní Měcholupy
37
workers are ac-
tive in the Hlo-
hovec R&D
interview
3 qalt 177

6. Zentiva ČR 2008
Company Day 1
After five years, At high noon, the event was endangered by potential abnor-
the Spanish Hall opened by Marek Eben who em- malities of individual markets.
(Španělský sál) and ployed his intelligently humorous After Mr. Michal’s speech, Zen-
manner to remind the guests tiva ČR Personalities for 2008
adjacent premises
that it was not a routine prac- were announced. Our col-
of the Prague Castle
tice in our country to work in a leagues who were granted the
were again crowded company which could afford to Zentiva Personality award are
up with employees of organize such an event as the being introduced to you at an-
Zentiva, a.s., ČR, and Company Day in the ceremonial other section of this Qalt issue.
Zentiva Group, a.s., premises of the Prague Castle, The cultural part included the
on the occasion of the on top of it - at a considerably Barocco Sempre Giovane or-
text: Josef Pavel, manažer pro interní komunikaci photo: archiv
Zentiva Company Day unstable economic situation. chestra for guests of the Com-
in 2008. The opening of the event by pany Day. The orchestra along
Marek Eben was followed by with the violinist V. Hudeček and
words of the Chairman of the the pianist J. Pěchočová per-
Board and the C.E.O. Jiří Michal. formed several nice composi- 3
In his short speech, Jiří Michal tions of famous Italian masters.
summarized chang- After an interval, during which a
es through which faultlessly prepared rout could 5
Zentiva has gone be enjoyed by guests of the
since the recent Company Day, the attention of
Company Day those present was attracted by
in Prague Cas- performance of the „Children
tle. Two integra- Opera Prague” ensemble.
tions were made by The ensemble offered several
Zentiva in the past pieces of Jaroslav Křička work.
five years – one with The absolute engagement of
the Romani- children members of the ensem-
an compa- ble together with their profes-
ny Sicomed sional performance was appre-
and one ciated by enthusiastic and thun-
from Zentiva life
with the derous applause of listeners and
Turkish firm the audience.
Eczacibaşi. Zen- The Zentiva ČR 2008 Company
tiva turnover has elevat- Day was ended by the final rout
ed almost four times, and, without exaggeration, it can
and thanks to its su- be stated that all those present
pranational structure, were leaving the event satisfied.
the company is not
4 qalt 177

7. 2
4
1 4
The Chairman of the Board Jiří Václav Hudeček excelled with
Michal informed guests of the the Barocco Sempre Giovane
Company Day about recent five Orchestra in the cultural part of
years of the company and about the event.
an envisaged development of the
company. 5
Handing the award to Mrs.
2 Makalova, one of Zentiva 2008
The Spanish Hall was crowded Personalities
from Zentiva life
up already long before the
opening of the event.
3
Zentiva ČR 2008 Personalities
5 qalt 177

8. Psychology is my
Assistant
Only little was I promote seasonal who were introducing her in the such as e.g. various seminars
missing for Jana medicaments firm and who have managed to or special forums are impor-
Hrádelová to become Her working results are self-ex- warm her up to the work of the tant for the success of a medical
a physician. At the planatory. Already five times in medical representative. At the representative.”
series she gained an appraisal end she has remained faithful
end, however, she
in the form of the so called Os- to the sphere of seasonal drugs The physician must trust
decided to study
cars and was declared an out- and achieves excellent results us
pedagogy and standing representative of Zen- in the sale of these drugs on a Jana Hrádelová has been ac-
psychology; and tiva. The evaluations encom- long-term basis. tive in the company for seven
after her graduation passed parameters such as e.g. years already, being in charge
from the University sales of drugs being promoted My knowledge of psychol- of the same region, Nové Zám-
in Nitra she joined by her, their share on the mar- ogy helps me ky and Nitra, for four years. No
our company in ket, or a comparison of sales in Anyway, her recipe how to be substantial changes have tak-
2001 as a Business two subsequent cycles. Nev- successful is relatively simple en place for that time in terms of
Representative. ertheless, the beginnings of according to her: „Each and any physicians: „It is important in this
The firm has thus Jana Hrádelová in the firm were success at work is, in my opin- work that the doctor knows well
not quite simple as she recalls: ion, an outcome of a good supe- and believes his/her represent-
acquired one of the
„My attitude to the profession rior and the family background. ative. Of course, also a negative
most capable and
of a physician was always very Our profession means often a aspect is involved because anal-
most successful friendly; I even used to dream of work beyond working hours, ogously with my good knowl-
representatives. becoming a doctor of medicine, and thus an understanding fam- edge of the physician there is
best of all a pediatrician. And ily is a precondition of success- his/her good knowledge of me
thus when my friend, active also ful coping with the work,” says and they may try to play various
in the pharmaceutical business, Jana Hrádelová; however, at the tricks with me. And my challenge
text: Kateřina Jurigová photo: Josef Pavel
was describing her work after same time, she admits that cer- is to cope with them,” says Jana
studies, I got an idea the profes- tain abilities must be inherent to Hrádelová while smiling. Accord-
sion of a medical representative the person: „On the other hand ing to her, tiny differences exist
has been tailored just to me,” re- side, the ability to communicate between physicians of various
minds today Jana Hrádelová and with physicians must be given – specializations. While gastroen-
continues: „Until now I remem- as for myself, I make use of my terologists or pediatricians are
ber my first steps in the firm, first knowledge of psychology, be- very communicable, specialists
knocking on the doors of out- ing able to be empathic, esti- in allergology are not so easy-
patient cabinets. My beginnings mating how to meet his/her de- going in terms of her work. Just
apply to the sphere of the so mands.” She does not perceive in these weeks Jana Hrádelová
called seasonal drugs such as physicians as mere business is to cope with a challenge of
e.g. antibiotics or antihistaminic partners, but as individuals in her visits in a new region of Lev-
drugs. And I admit this category whom the good inside must be ice: „Of course, there is a differ-
of drugs was not very amusing developed. ent atmosphere because I am a
from Zentiva life
for me from the very beginning. During her work, Jana Hrádelová new representative here. Nev-
But everything has been over- does not make only regular and ertheless my credo is that when
come by the atmosphere of an repeated visits at physicians at the work is commenced vigor-
excellent team I was working in.” their workplaces. She tries to ously and with an engagement,
And thus, when Jana Hrádelová spend the maximum time with success will be reached at the
recalls her beginnings, she does them on any suitable occa- end. And mainly – I am not afraid
not forget to thank all her col- sion: „Also contacts with phy- of anything,” concludes Jana
leagues and, mainly, superiors sicians on informal occasions Hrádelová.
6 qalt 177

9. Jana Hrádelová
Best of all, she likes to
relax when spending her
leisure time actively. But
unfortunately she does
not have much of such
time.
There is always what
to do around the fami-
ly house. And thus Mrs.
Hrádelová manages to
go for a trip into the na-
ture or to a gym only
from time to time. And
when there is still some
leisure time she likes
to read an interesting
book.
from Zentiva life
7 qalt 177

10. Anketa
The word ecology has
been used more and
more frequently and
in various contexts
in recent years. Also
waste sorting can
be one of possible
contributions to
the environmental
protection.
Therefore, our
November Opinion
Poll was focused on Yvona Kocourková Jan Hora
collection of data PLF 1 (Solid Pharmaceutical Forms) – údržba
informing about how Weighing Premises Of course, I do. I think that there is a space for
We sort at home. Containers are right in front of an improvement even in the framework of our
environmentally
our house. Unfortunately, they are often overfilled. company.
conscious employees
of our company are.
The result was very
positive.
Do you sort the waste
at home?
Jiří Rudolf Markéta Hudková
Manufacture of TLF (Liquid Pharmaceuti- TEST
cal Forms) We sort not only at work but also at home.
text: Kateřina Jurigová photo: archiv
I sort; containers are in the vicinity of our house.
Jiří Slavík Lenka Stárková
People
Security Worker Canteen
Yes, I do. It is being spoken about all the time. I sort wastes both at work and at home. We have
However there are not so many possibilities. a container for paper waste and for plastic flas-
Anyway, it can be done somehow. I sort the was- ks. At home we have containers just in front of the
te even in my weekend cottage. house.
8 qalt 177

11. Waste Management
Any of us has to cope
with wastes daily
both at home and
at work. The typical
question used by our
famous writer Neruda
„Where with it?”
is still topical. And
therefore let us repeat
the major principles
of waste management
in our company.
Wastes of all three physical sta- drains directly, the technologi- plant or they are deposited onto
tes – i.e. gaseous, liquid and so- cal waste water must be treated dumps of dangerous wastes or
text: Marie Kučerová, Head of the Environmental Protection (OŽP) and Risk Prevention photo: archiv
lid – originate as a consequen- to be clean and to meet require- passed to authorized compa-
ce of our manufacturing as well ments and limits of the Canaliza- nies for further processing or
as non-manufacturing activities. tion Rules for the Capital of Pra- treatment.
Hence, to start with, there is a gue. The technological waste
brief piece of information as re- water is released into the chemi-
gards these groups. cal drainage and is re-treated in Wastes according to ways
our proper sewage water treat- of management - 2007
Gaseous emissions are dischar- ment plant. In addition to it, the 2 %
ged into the external environ- manufacture of products con-
6 %
ment from chemical and phar- taining highly efficient substan-
maceutical processes, from the ces (HPD) has its own pre-treat-
waste incineration plant and ment equipment for removal of 18 % 46 %
the boiler house and they must hormonal remnants. In the ma-
meet rigorous emission limits. nufacture of ointments and sup-
Also dust particles might be dis- positories, a fat arrester is loca- 28 %
charged in the air but various fil- ted designed for removal of fatty
ters are used for their captu- portions which would cause pro-
re. Absorption (rinsing) columns blems on further treatment in the  ncineration
I
are used for capturing gase- waste water treatment plant.  aterial utilization
M
ous harmful substances (for acid  ransfer to an authorized entity
T
emissions, organic solvents so- Solid waste is classified as was- – others
luble in water) as well as adsorp- tes with dangerous characte-  ransfer to an authorized entity
T
tion equipment (capture of harm- ristics and wastes without dan- – ash
ful substances, primarily of sol- gerous characteristics, so cal-  ransfer to an authorized entity –
T
vents non-miscible with water, led other wastes. The majority of sludge incineration
on activated charcoal). waste without dangerous chara-
cteristics can be repeatedly uti-
Liquid wastes should be divided lized as a material – this applies Classification of wastes
into wastes that must be incine- to the waste glassware, metals, according to categories (in
rated and/or further treated and plastics and paper. Numerous ri- tons per year)
into waste water. The waste wa- gorous requirements apply to
from Zentiva life
1500
ter is further classified into three handling wastes with dangerous 1200
groups, and namely technolo- characteristics starting from the-
900
gical waste water (washing and ir gathering and labeling, throu-
600
rinsing water from manufactu- gh requirements as regards their
300
ring processes), sewage water disposal – up to maintenance of
0
and rain water. While the sewage thorough filing and documenta- 2005 2006 2007
and rain waters are released by tion. Dangerous wastes are inci-  azardous wastes
H
us into the municipal sewerage nerated in our waste incineration  ther wastes
O
9 qalt 177

12. Written about us
Brussels: Sanofi Zentiva has raised its sales by one fifth
must add information The pharmaceutical company Zentiva has raised its net sales for the first nine
months of this year by 18 per cent up to approximately 13 milliard of CZK in com-
regarding Zentiva parison with the previous year. „Much progress has been made in Turkey again,
takeover with our undertaking in Romania being also much better as for its condition, and
our sales in Russia continue to exhibit a very good growth rate. These achieve-
The information received by the Euro- ments help us to surmount and overcome the anticipated decrease of sales as re-
pean Commission regarding the French corded in the Czech Republic,” commented Jiří Michal, the C.E.O. of the company.
Sanofi Aventis plan for takeover of the Hospodárske noviny, 23. 10. 2008
Czech pharmaceutical number one Zenti-
va is incomplete. The European Commis-
sion speaker informed that the two firms The sale in Russia helped Zentiva
must submit the relevant notification once The net profit of the pharmaceutical company Zentiva increased almost by three
again. Brussels must investigate whether per cent, amounting to 1.09 milliard of CZK, for the first nine months of the year as
the transaction is in compliance with an- compared with the previous year. This result was also based on consolidation of
timonopoly rules. As soon as new docu- Eczacibasi-Zentiva acquired in Turkey. „Proceeding from published results, I am
ments are provided to the Commission by convinced that Zentiva will meet its objectives for this year,” said the C.E.O. of the
the two firms, a new deadline will be de- company Jiří Michal. Higher earnings were achieved by the firm in Russia, in the
termined for the opinion regarding the giv- Ukraine as well as in Bulgaria. In the Czech Republic, sales were affected by intro-
en transaction from the point of view of duction of mandatory fees in the healthcare system. The operation earnings exhib-
economic competition, said the speaker. ited 61 per cent increase and were affected by reduction of the value of the long-
Hospodářské noviny, 6. 10. 2008
terms assets at an amount of 194 million of CZK.
Hospodárske noviny, 11. 11. 2008
Belviport in Zentiva The PPF has raised its share in Zentiva by
has made the situation 2.67 per cent
more difficult for Sanofi The PPF Financial Group has raised its voting rights share in Zentiva up to 24.26
per cent from previous 21.59 per cent. It was confirmed yesterday, without any oth-
The company Belviport Trading has en- er commentary, by PPF speaker Jiří Hájek. The PPF Financial Group is the second
hanced its share in the Czech pharma- largest shareholder of Zentiva and one of the two persons interested in acquiring
ceutical company Zentiva, making thus the above-half share in it. Also the French pharmaceutical company Sanofi Avent-
the situation more difficult for the French is tries to achieve the control over the Czech pharmaceutical number one, with the
text: připravil Jaromír Vích, Corporate Secretary photo: archiv
concern Sanofi that wishes to take over former possessing now 24.9 per cent of the firm. The company Belviport Trading is
the control pack of Zentiva. Belviport the third largest shareholder with its 10.06 per cent interest.
Trading, being owned by a narrow group Hospodářské noviny, 24. 10. 2008
of anonymous persons, has enhanced its
share in Zentiva to 10.06 % from its orig-
inal 6.08 %. Zentiva earned more than expected
The notification that the Belviport inter- This country’s pharmaceutical number one Zentiva earned 1.09 milliard of CZK in
est in Zentiva raised appeared one day the three quarters of the year, i.e. 2.7 per cent more as compared with the same pe-
after the second largest Zentiva share- riod of the preceding year. The stronger CZK and also a steep enhancement of tax-
holder, the PPF Financial Group togeth- ation costs have intensified problems of the firm that receives the majority of earn-
er with its joint venture – Italian Generali ings from abroad. Despite this fact, Zentiva has surprised analysts by its almost
– had elevated their share in Zentiva from half enhancement of the operational profit amounting to 2.17 milliard of CZK. »The
19.23 % up to 21.59 %. The French con- market orientates primarily on the operational level« says the Cyrrus analyst Karel
cern Sanofi-Aventis offered 1150 CZK per Potměšil. Also the C.E.O. of the company Jiří Michal confirmed yesterday his expec-
one share, valuating thus Zentiva 43.86 tations of 2% growth of net earnings for the whole year. »I am convinced that Zen-
milliard CZK. The acquisition would fa- tiva will meet the goals as set up for 2008« says Michal. Until September, the total
cilitate Sanofi to have a higher share on earnings of Zentiva increased by 17.7 per cent, amounting to 13.09 milliard of CZK.
the market with generic and nonpropri- The Turkish subsidiary, being included by Zentiva into its economic results only
etary drugs, which is a field experienc- starting from last July, has substantially contributed to the outcome. Zentiva has
ing boom in developing markets. Sa- been experiencing life which bustles with activities in recent months. The French
nofi can be successful with its bid only company Sanofi-Aventis wishes Zentiva takeover, offering 1150 CZK per one share.
in case it manages to acquire more than The takeover bid is valid by November 28th; nevertheless, Sanofi will purchase the
Written about us
50 %. Analysts have commented that an share only in case it will finally acquire at least one half of Zentiva. So far, Sanofi –
achievement of the acquisition objective holding now not the whole 25 per cent in Zentiva – can reckon certainly with rough-
by Sanofi is being complicated by oth- ly six per cent of securities belonging to the company management. Thus it must
er Zentiva shareholders enhancing their get another roughly 20 per cent on the market. Yesterday, Michal recommended the
shares. „Thus Sanofi is about to be in a shareholders again to sell their shares to Sanofi. »The Board is still convinced of the
situation when it will be difficult to ob- enhanced offer being in the best interest of shareholders and all other persons in-
tain more than the 50-percent interest,” volved in Zentiva company,« claims Michal. The offer made by Sanofi is conditioned
claimed Petr Bartek, an analyst of Česká also by the consent from antimonopoly authorities. Should it be delayed, Sanofi
spořitelna. would probably apply for prolongation of validity of the bid.
10 qalt 177
Zdravotnícke noviny, 9. 10. 2008
Hospodářské noviny, 11. 11. 2008

13. I load people with traditional HR expert in the sphere of
human resources. At the beginning of
Eastern European region. My posi-
tion within the company hierarchy was
tasks which exceed this career I was responsible also for
other matters than HR alone, for in-
somewhere in the middle.
* HN: For how many people are you
their capacities a stance logistics, services and adminis- the superior?
bit tration. For many years, I was a mem-
ber of the company Board. I am not a
Zentiva has six thousand employees.
I am responsible for the management
type of the person who gets engaged of HR and services, which represents
Last week the HR Manager 2008 in HR after having studied andragogy. roughly two hundred people.
award was won by Petr Pokorný, Zen- Such people have a difficult position * HN: One of first challenges imposed
tiva HR Director. There were two types to assert themselves in business. May- on you as the HR Director was to set
of criteria for obtaining the award – to be, my successfulness is given just be up the system of remuneration...
implement modern trends in HR per- such experience from the business. I joined Zentiva in the period when the
sonnel practice and, at the same time, * HN: You have altered your job re- company was not meeting market ex-
to exhibit excellent results. cently. What was your challenge when pectations for various reasons. One of
* HN: I know you from conferenc- joining Zentiva? possibilities allowing a change con-
es. Always when much-too-theoret- I am not very fond of mere maintaining sisted in interlinking the system of re-
ic discussions about personnel man- a peaceful condition in the enterprise. muneration with key parameters of
agement occur, you »bring« the issue And Zentiva I joined has grown four performance. I think that we man-
down to the earth and are amusing… times in recent years thanks to acqui- aged to orientate key managers onto
I try to be realistic and make use of the sitions of foreign companies. It need- correct parameters. We have started
common sense. Because I know that ed to transform the organizational and at the top management and intend to
it is usually based on much experi- managerial structure so that to com- achieve better interconnection of the
ence from practice. I want to be natu- ply with standards of the internation- performance and remuneration in oth-
ral and not to bother the audience with al corporate management. Setting of er workers, too. Otherwise, we have
theories. the efficient organizational structure above-average wages as well as ben-
* HN: Today, the talent management was necessary not only in the Prague efits in comparison with the market. It
has been spoken about at the meet- headquarters but practically in all cru- is a good basis because when these
ing. Nevertheless, you were drawing cial countries. In five of the largest basic matters are not set up correctly,
attention to the fact of a necessity to countries also C.E.O. were changed. people quit to other companies. In ad-
appreciate also the common »water * HN: Zentiva undergoes compre- dition, we continuously try to establish
carriers«. Why? hensive changes continuously. Aren’t good corporate culture for our employ-
I wanted to say that it was necessary they too much for you? ees to feel well at work. We are a sta-
to motivate also people who work well I must know the objective of the given ble company with low fluctuation rate.
but do not have such a high potential change. It must not be a change just Higher fluctuation is evident only in
of development as the talents. But the for a change. I love situations when traders, which is given by the fact that
firm cannot do without them. Try to im- something is altering but I do not want we alone are aiming at changes.
agine a gifted cyclist at contests. What to say that I would do it just because of * HN: There is a lack of people in
would he achieve without his support- my loving changes. So far, the objec- firms...
ive team? He would not probably go tive has been understandable for Zen- Zentiva is a very stable firm; we man-
far without water carriers. For instance tiva. At this stage it was necessary to age to keep our employees.
I do not like to work alone. I rather en- achieve a transparent organizational * HN: Have you ever experienced your
joy when I can develop people around structure, performance-oriented, and batteries growing discharged and
me. During the fifteen years I worked to be attractive for potential further in- your team not doing well? What were
in three firms. I met excellent teams vestors. Our changes are based on the you then doing?
but the truth is that each of them reasonable development, and that is Of course, I have. One of reasons of
was quite different. Now I have many what we try to explain to our employ- my leaving Barum was I was not on
young people around me. Their poten- ees, too. very good terms with one of key man-
tial is huge - nevertheless their experi- * HN: Do you have to modify your agers. There were three pillars in the
ence is minimal. style of management according to the company, with two of them (the man-
* HN: You are middle-aged. You can nature of the firm? ufacturing and financial parts) being
be close to everybody in the team… I am said to be a good number two. OK. But the business boss would not
I think it is an ideal age for the man- Shortly, a good business partner for a communicate on friendly terms at all.
ager. I became a member of the Board key manager! An impulse for changes And it was one of reasons why I pre-
shortly after my thirty. Such was the in Zentiva comes from the chief execu- ferred to leave.
time. Having today’s experience I won- tive officer Jiří Michal who has a clear * HN: Should the courage to decide
der how courageous I was at that time. vision. I am only the »small drive« im- in time and not to lose time belong to
Today I have both experience and suf- plementing the change in the practice. the professional skills and capabilities
ficient energy to motivate the others. * HN: Was your previous experience of the Manager?
* HN: What is the most useful? helpful to you in Zentiva? Yes, I think it does. I am not the type
I always let people do the work requir- Certainly, I have got acquainted with who likes to sit in the »golden cage«.
ing always a little bit more responsibil- all levels through which the human re- I can have good conditions, living on
ity they manage to carry. I bear the risk source manager can go. I was a local behalf of the firm and traveling around
they can make a tiny mistake, some manager in the company Barum Con- to attend conferences. If I know, how-
partners can a sort of raise their eye- tinental, but it was in an internation- ever, I am not able to move the thinks,
nový produkt us
brows from time to time indicating it is al global firm operating in one hun- it is better to quit. When I am satisfied
Written about
not exactly »that«. But this is the only dred and ten countries of the world I learn this fact by my absolute non-
way how to develop employees. I offer and having one hundred and for- perceiving headhunters who keep on
them an opportunity to grown on tasks ty thousand workers. I was responsi- phoning to me.
which can shift them further. ble for one large area. That is where I Hospodářské noviny, 20. 10. 2008
* HN: Is there anything facilitating the drew up much experience as regards
HR expert to be perceived seriously concern functioning from downwards.
by the management? My experience is also based on that
I started in HR in 1993. I say of myself obtained in Hartmann-Rico where I
11 qalt 177
to be rather a »business type« than the was responsible for the Central and

14. A Day with…
... Kader
Çömlekçi
People in the vicinity Kader Çömlekçi acquired her
of Kader Çömlekçi “Master of Pharmacy” degree
know about their in the pharmaceutical technolo-
colleague that she gy specialization at the Faculty
of Pharmacy, University in Mar-
does not leave an
maris, and continued her stud-
uncompleted work.
ies of chemistry at the reputable
And when necessary, Middle-East Technical Universi- 0 6 : 1 5
she stays at the ty (METU). There she graduated Kader Çömlekçi heads directly her five colleagues in the Formulation
firm till midnight. with excellent results and took Department, collaborating tightly also with other colleagues from
During her leisure the seventh position among stu- different departments, primarily with developmental analytics
time she devotes to dents of this institution. In the specialists. The creative approach is considered important by her:
painting and music, course of studies she focused „The creativity and innovation are important; one must be able to view
likes to wear colors on the organic chemistry. „I thinks in a way different from the others. And hence a new way - a new
and is perceived by started with my pharmaceutical formulation - can be found.”
those around her as studies already when working
in Eczacıbaşı. Therefore, I was
an optimistic and
making all my laboratory studies
positively tuned
associated with thesis on week-
person who solves ends. That was a difficult pe-
even potentially riod, nevertheless at the same
problematic matters time it was an exciting work be-
at work in a calm and cause I could participate in sci-
friendly manner. entific studies. I published then
my results in one internationally
text: Kateřina Jurigová photo: archiv
recognized scientific periodical.
I admit that it does raise your
self-confidence when seeing
your own name in such a peri-
odical,” recalls Kader today.
In research and
development we
must be able to
have another view
of matters than the
A Day with…
0 8 : 3 0
others. If Kader has no appointments, she works together with her collea-
gues – e.g. on evaluation of data for individual studies, performance of
It is now already twelve years tests, or planning other procedures. By the way, she admits that people
she is active in Eczacibasi. around her consider her a sort of a workaholic: „Sometimes I do not
Nowadays, she works on a for- manage to finish by six o’clock, and thus I continue – either at work or
mulation of generic medicinal
12 qalt 177
at home. I do not like to leave an unaccomplished work.”

15. I like
colors not
only on the
paper
Kader Çömlekçi might find her
place also in the column where
we present colleagues with in-
teresting hobbies. Since she
devotes to singing and paint-
ing, particularly to watercolor
painting that she studied as an
arbitrary subject even during
products and their manufac- her university studies. „I have
turing process, primarily that had even an opportunity to in-
of solid pharmaceutical forms. troduce my works at three ex-
She coordinates and controls all hibitions in Ankara. It was an
steps within the process of for- essential moment for me be-
mulation in local as well as glo- cause it meant a shift from the
1 1 : 0 0 bal projects and is responsi- amateur position to the profes-
In Prague at the Charles Bridge: Traveling ranks among big hobbies of ble for studies within the devel- sional one. I continue my stud-
Kader Çömlekçi. She visited also Prague in past. „Most of all I enjoy to opment of drugs and for plan- ies, I relax while painting, get-
learn new cultures, people and their customs,” comments Kader her ning of necessary sources – in- ting charged with a positive en-
hobby. ternally as well as externally – ergy,” says Kader about her
associated with the formulation hobby and adds that she likes
development. colors both on the paper and
– let us say – on clothing and/
Kader starts her working day or walls and furniture. Kader is
with a cup of herb tea after also an Art Lovers Social Club
which she feels – as she says – member and annually she per-
fresh and full of energy. “In the forms along with her friends at
morning I try to start up with a a concert in Lüleburgaz where
smile and with a positive ener- she usually has her solo per-
gy. Then I usually skim through formance. „I like jazz music
the specialized literature and and I like to listen to it and sing
scientific periodicals in order it. Jazz sound has much more
to “be in” as for new technol- charm as compared with other
ogies and events in the world, styles,” stresses Kader her spe-
and then I already start planning cial liking for the jazz. Howev-
my schedule. I list individual ac- er, it is not by far only the art fill-
tivities according to priorities,” ing her leisure time. Kader also
describes Kader her usual day likes to travel very much and
and goes on: “I think that I am will not omit any monument or
known as a very organized per- a reputable place of sightsee-
son, I like to manage things in ing. „Best of all I like to get ac-
time, still before deadline. quainted with other cultures,
people and their customs.” Be-
Kader emphasizes that also the sides work, also the family is
fact she works in the health- important for Kader. She re-
care area is important for her: calls her father very often: „My
„I am glad I can work in the daddy died three years ago
A Day with…
1 4 : 0 0 sphere serving and aiding hu- and I miss him still very much.
Kader’s colleagues like her very much for her positive attitude to life man health. I try to do my work He has taught me many things
thanks to which she is able to cope with problems at work and to as good as possible, to get im- – also how to be strong in the
solve them with calm and from a bird’s eye view. She is always ready proved and learn new things business world, but not only
to share her experience, being convinced that the shared experience and share them with my col- that. And he taught me to have
is always the most valuable. leagues,” concludes Kader another angle of view of things
Çömlekçi. than the others have.”
13 qalt 177

16. The Olympic Games in Soul
a Bombastic Event and
Unforgettable Experiences…
This time, it was not How did you get to swimming, I trained roughly eleven times in my discipline of 200 m breast-
necessary to go far as a matter of fact, and what weekly, including Saturdays, and stroke, which was a sort of dis-
for an interesting was your route to the top-per- managed to get into the nation- appointment for me because I
interview about formance sport? al representation team. I was did not manage to replicate my
From my childhood, I wanted among the first ones to be nomi- best performance from previous
Olympic Games.
to be an ice-hockey player. But nated for the Olympic Games. contests. But such is the sport;
Since Alexander
they did not accept such small sometimes you are favored,
Marček, Zentiva boys aged five to six years yet at How old were you at that sometimes not.
Corporate Finance that time. I was a very vivid child, time?
Director, has shared and thus my daddy made me to I know this very well. I celebrated What was then?
his experiences swim. I was approximately in the my twentieth birthday in Soul. I swam up to 1993. In Soul I got
with us after short second form and swimming was acquainted with people from
persuading. He swum not very amusing for me. I knew The Olympic Games took pla- the American University Swim-
for the national how to swim from my four years ce during “PERESTROYKA” ming and already at that time I
representation team of age and intended just to im- and “GLASNOST”, i.e. the RE- was offered to study in the USA.
of Czechoslovakia in prove in it before our holiday at ORIENTATION and PUBLICI- Of course, there was no official
the sea. However, then I got a TY ongoing in Russia, shortly platform for collaboration be-
1988 at the Olympic
new trainer, changed my tech- before the fall of the Iron Cur- tween the then Czechoslovakia
Games in Soul.
nique and when in the third form tain, in addition to it - right af- and the USA within which I could
I was already the first or the sec- ter the Olympic Games in Los accept the offer on a legal ba-
ond in the category of pupils in Angeles where sportsmen sis. I slowly started to think how
Slovakia. Hard daily trainings from the Eastern Block were to get abroad in any other way.
started, and later on I trained missing. How did you perceive And just at that moment the so-
even every morning from six to the atmosphere? cial change took place. In Jan-
eight o’clock. Thanks to my re- It is as you say. It was the first out uary 1990, I was already aiming
sults, a special scheme was of the series of large bombastic to California where I studied for
agreed for me at school starting Olympic Games where the whole four years and trained along with
text: Kateřina Jurigová photo: archiv
from the first year of the second- world met as a matter of fact. I a number of excellent swimmers,
ary school (Gymnasium) when was enthusiastic that I could see including Matt Biondi, the eight-
I devoted already seriously to the organization of such a large fold medal-holder from Soul.
swimming. event. I remember that we went
to the other end of Soul for train- Have you visited any other
But you probably enjoyed it at ing. They took us by bus, with Olympics - although as a
that time; it was not just a will two policemen on motorbikes in member of an audience?
of your parents, was it … front of us. And we went through No. In terms of Olympic Games,
You are right. In addition, at Soul smoothly without an inter- I think TV is excellent, although
that time I was happy to leave ruption. There must have been there can be a problem with the
my parents for a whole week- hundreds of such teams. One time shift. I like to watch Olym-
end to participate in contests, or had also a possibility to meet pic Games and feel their atmos-
for a couple of weeks of a train- known personalities, to see oth- phere. I always experience ten-
ing camp. Sometimes I used to er sports, too. It is already a long sion as if being there back again.
happen not to be at home for time ago and I do not remember However, it is not about my re-
as long as four months in the all the details, but I remember I calling the history but general-
year. I liked traveling a lot; I had went to root for athletes. ly about my feeling the sporting
Mix
a feeling of something extraor- spirit and adrenalin accompa-
dinary because I used to vis- How successful were you at nying the Olympic Games con-
it also western countries, which the Olympic Games? tests. And by far not only in case
was not common at that time. I finished at the fifteenth position of swimming! I also like to follow
14 qalt 177

17. 1
Alexander Marček in 2008
2 3
An example of previous media
from 1988
1 2
XXIV. letní
olympijské hry
3
They were held in the
period from Septem-
ber 17th to October 2nd
1988 in Soul, South Ko-
rea. 8465 sportsmen from
159 countries took part
in them. Contests cove-
red 263 disciplines of 27
sports. The organizing
town had been selected
in 1981 and it was pre-
ferred over another town
showing its interest - the
fates of sportsmen. People do And what about you and your swim on the surface. Hence, it Japanese Nagoya. The
not realize at all what luck it is to swimming today? happened that the hundred-me-
reach the top in the giant com- I go in for all sports perhaps, but ter swimmers ruffled through fifty
golden medals for Cze-
petition. They do not see what not swimming. The recreation meters under the water, emerg- choslovakia were son by
all must be exerted into the per- swimming is, all of a sudden, ing just before their turn, and
formance by sportsmen, re- boring after the many-year hunt- then disappeared again under the tennis player Miloslav
gardless of the outcome. Let ing for each second. the water. Also the equipment
Mečíř, the walker Jozef
me mention, for instance, my plays its role. Analogously as
daughter who plays basketball. Being no professional, I have the pole vault is not jumped with Pribilinec, and the sport
She was complying of bad per- a feeling that borders of the bamboo equipment any more,
formance of her basketball team. performance are being shif- swimmers have today swimming shooter Miroslav Varga.
We exchanged our opinions be- ted higher and higher at eve- suits with better hydrodynamic
cause I do not like when some- ry Olympic Games, which ap- properties, too. However the ex-
body is condemning sportsmen plies especially to swimming. ample of the American swimmer
who had been working very hard Why is it so? Michael Phelps, who has entered
to be good. Anyway, I do not Mainly an improvement of the the history today by his winning
want to say that one should not technique plays role, but also al- as many as eight gold medals,
Mix
set up high goals. It is like with terations of rules. Just in Soul, an confirms the rule that the tech-
the business plan. It must also excitement was caused by a new nique is helpful, but the victory is
be a bit of ambitious, it should rule according to which the back- being achieved primarily thanks
provoke. stroke swimmers did not have to to the talent.
15 qalt 177