UCB Confirms Strong Quarterly Sales In The Us Xyzal Sells More Than Zyrtec In Europe

Brussels, 19 April 2005 - Following Pfizer's first quarter 2005 earnings release, UCB confirms that Zyrtec strengthened its leadership position as the number one most prescribed branded antihistamine in the US in new prescriptions. The US in-market sales of Zyrtec have reached $ 342 million over the first 3 months of 2005, showing a 14% increase compared with the same period in 2004.

In Europe, Xyzal confirmed its strong market penetration with a growth rate of 41% during the first quarter of 2005 versus the same period in 2004. Xyzal continues to sell more than Zyrtec in Europe and the recent approval of Xyzal in Persistent Allergic Rhinitis (PER), the first and only medication approved for this indication should fuel continuous growth. Xyzal IMS1 market share for Europe reached in February 2005, 13.4% compared to 9.4% a year earlier.