Brussels (Belgium), 14 March 2006, 7:00 AM CET - UCB today announced its audited financial results for the 12 months ended 31 December 2005.
Roch Doliveux, CEO of UCB comments: "In 2005, UCB delivered strong financial and operational performance in all its product franchises and geographies. Major R&D progress was achieved, especially the successful completion of the pivotal clinical trials for Cimzia, the first subcutaneous anti-TNF to show efficacy for the treatment of Crohn's disease. These positive results as well as the successful integration of Celltech clearly reinforce UCB's momentum towards becoming a global biopharmaceutical leader."
"In 2006 net sales will continue to show solid growth, mainly driven by Keppra® which is becoming the new standard treatment of epilepsy and UCB's top selling product. The U.S. allergy strategy is being rolled out and a New Drug Application (NDA) for Xyzal® (levocetirizine) is expected to be submitted to the FDA in mid 2006. In the meantime, we are selecting a partner to market this new anti-histamine in the U.S.A. We are actively preparing and investing for the launch of Cimzia for the treatment of Crohn's disease, which we target for the first half of 2007. Furthermore, investment in R&D should remain at 25% of net sales in 2006 to support the clinical development of Cimzia in new indications and advance our pipeline. Cimzia's compelling clinical benefits and unique molecular design will significantly contribute to UCB's continuing success."
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