Our vision

To build a global biopharmaceutical leader, based on unique blending of innovation, entrepreneurship and proven experience, bring new medicines to specialists to treat patients suffering from severe diseases.

Connecting science in new ways

By integrating biology (bio) and chemistry (pharma), we can gain much deeper insights into disease pathways, including the complexities of severe diseases, as well as producing more potent, cost-effective drugs.

• The unique combination of expertise in large, antibody-based molecules and small, chemically-derived molecules places us in a strong position to realise this ambition.
• Cimzia®, our New Biological Entity (NBE), targeted at Crohn's disease and rheumatoid arthritis, is one of the first fruits of this synergy of biology and chemistry.

Connecting people

In a knowledge- and ideas-based industry like ours, human capital is the lifeblood of success. To unlock the creative potential of our global team of about 10,000 staff and our partners, we are creating a networked, cross-functional organisation.

• Multi-disciplinary teams are working on all development projects, including members of R&D, supply chain and sales, as well as partners and patients...
• UCB People, an innovative intranet tool, links our knowledge and skills. Our virtual R&D collaboration platform, based on the principles of Wikipedia, is another example.

Connecting patients

Severe diseases, such as epilepsy, Crohn's or Parkinson's, tend to be "silent diseases" - sufferers are often socially stigmatised and reluctant to share their experiences and insights. To overcome this problem, we are creating novel and personal ways for patients and their families to connect, virtually and live, with each other, us, our partners and opinion formers.

• The "CrohnsandMe.com" community is one such example
• The sponsorship of a Pearl Jam concert demonstrates our commitment to raise awareness of severe diseases
• Patients and their families are regularly invited to discuss the daily realities of their diseases with our staff, partners and key opinion informers - providing invaluable insights.