Shire achieved a script share of 17.4 per cent of the total U.S. Agrylin market, including Hydrea and generic hydroxyurea, in September 2000 compared to 12.2 per cent in September 1999. This translates to 30.1 per cent of the U.S. extended release carbamazepine prescription market in September 2000, compared to 20.0 per cent in September 1999. These results reflect the variability of this income quarter on quarter, based substantially as it is on the reimbursement of bulb related costs incurred in connection with Reminyl. This is due to the faster growth rate of the higher margin products, particularly Adderall and Agrylin which together contributed 56 per cent of total product sales compared to 39 per cent in quarter three 1999. This rise reflects the increased costs associated with the significant proportion of projects at Phase II or later where development costs tend to be higher.
Realization is dependent upon generating sufficient taxable income to utilize such assets.
Although realization on these assets is not assured, management believes it is more likely than not that the deferred tax assets will be realized. This is due to the faster growth rate of the higher margin products, particularly Adderall and Agrylin, which contributed 56 per cent of total product sales compared to 44 per cent in the nine months ended September 30, 1999. This rise reflects the increased costs associated with the significant proportion of projects at Phase II or later where development costs tend to be higher. This increase reflects the amortisation charge on those intangible assets acquired since the third quarter of 1999. The Company's funding requirements depend on a number of factors, including the Company's product development programs, business and product acquisitions, the level of resources required for the expansion of marketing capabilities as the product base expands, increased investment in accounts receivable and inventory which may arise as sales levels increase, competitive and technological developments, the timing and cost of obtaining required regulatory approvals for new products, and the continuing revenues generated from sales of its key products.