UCB EXPANDS TO CANADA
Brussels - November 6, 2006 - UCB announced today the expansion of its North American operations with the opening of its affiliate in Canada.
Under the auspices of the 2006 Belgian Economic Trade Mission to Canada, H.R.H. Prince Philippe of Belgium officially inaugurated UCB Pharma Canada at a ceremony held yesterday in Toronto. In the presence of the Hon. Marc Verwilghen, Belgian Federal Minister of External Trade, Mr. Rudi Thomaes, CEO, Belgian Federation of Enterprises and Mr. Jean-Marc Lalonde, M.P.P., Ontario Ministry of Economic Development and Trade, UCB Pharma Canada shared its plans for growth in Canada.
Research at UCB is focused in the areas of central nervous system disorders, immune and inflammatory disorders, allergy and respiratory diseases, as well as oncology. Based in Burlington, Ontario, UCB Pharma Canada will endeavor to bring to Canadian patients treatment options that will help alleviate their often-debilitating conditions and provide them a better quality of life.
A key priority for UCB Pharma Canada will be to secure regulatory approval for UCB's new biotherapeutic agent CIMZIA(TM) (certolizumab pegol). Excellent phase III clinical trial results for CIMZIA(TM) in the treatment of Crohn's Disease have encouraged a recent global expansion at UCB, of which the inauguration of its Canadian affiliate is a key element.
"Canada has one of the highest incidences of inflammatory bowel disease in the world," said William Robinson, Executive Vice President, Global Operations, UCB. "Approximately one in 200 Canadians has, or is affected, by Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis. We hope that CIMZIA(TM) will provide an effective, safe and convenient treatment option to the thousands of Canadians who suffer this relapsing-remitting, cruel disease."
"With the strong support of the global UCB organization, and the positive clinical outlook for CIMZIA(TM) in a number of inflammatory diseases, UCB Pharma Canada is ideally positioned to become a top-performing Canadian biopharmaceutical company," said Rob Hamilton, new General Manager of UCB Pharma Canada Inc.
About UCB
UCB (www.ucb-group.com) is a leading global biopharmaceutical company dedicated to the research, development and commercialization of innovative pharmaceutical and biotechnology products in the fields of central nervous system disorders, immune and inflammatory disorders, allergy/ respiratory diseases, and oncology. With over 8,300 employees in 40 countries, and headquartered in Brussels, UCB had global revenues of €2.3 billion (C$3.3 billion) in 2005. UCB is listed on the Euronext Brussels Exchange.
About UCB Pharma Canada
Founded in October 2006, and based in Burlington, Ontario, UCB Pharma Canada Inc. has been incorporated to commercialize CIMZIA(TM) (certolizumab pegol) over a range of indications including Crohn's disease, rheumatoid arthritis, and chronic plaque psoriasis when an anti-TNF is appropriate. In addition, UCB Pharma Canada is planning to launch several important neurological products in the near-term that will address unmet needs in the areas of epilepsy, movement disorders and pain management.
Inquiries, please contact
Jean-Christophe Donck
Vice President,
Corporate Communications & Investor Relations
Tel. +32 2 559 9346
Asset Download
Stay up-to-date on the latest news and information from UCB