UCB and K.U.Leuven join forces for immunological research

Brussels and Leuven, Belgium, 18 April 2011 - UCB and the Katholieke Universiteit Leuven (K.U.Leuven) today signed a collaborative research agreement in the field of immunology. Within this framework, researchers from both organisations will work together closely for several years in an attempt to develop therapies for patients with serious immunological disorders.

"Along with the central nervous system, immunology is one of UCB’s most important fields of research", notes Ismail Kola, Executive Vice President and President UCB New Medicines. “UCB understands that innovative therapies can’t always be invented alone. We believe in open innovation, which gives us an opportunity to benefit from the expertise of different partners. This collaboration illustrates the strategic partnerships and alliances with other companies and academic institutions which, like the K.U.Leuven, are at the cutting edge of biomedical research."

Professor Mark Waer, Rector of K.U.Leuven: “The K.U.Leuven is enthusiastic about the cooperation agreement with UCB, because it fits perfectly into its “triple helix” valorisation strategy, which reflects K.U.Leuven´s belief in the value of collaborations between knowledge institutions, the business world and the government as the most important driver of innovation. The fact that UCB is an international player with its headquarters and a large share of its research activities in Belgium offers optimal opportunities for intensive and personal contacts between the two parties."

In the field of immunology, UCB markets drugs against rheumatoid arthritis. Therapies against lupus erythematosus, osteoporosis and other autoimmune diseases are already in development.

For more information:
- Nancy Nackaerts, External Communications, UCB
M: +32 473 86 44 14, nancy.nackaerts@ucb.com
- K.U.Leuven Press Service
+ 32 16 32 40 08, persdienst@kuleuven.be

Notes to the Editors
Pictures are available on www.ucb.com and in the Dagkrant of the K.U.Leuven.

About UCB
UCB, Brussels, Belgium (www.ucb.com) is a global biopharmaceutical company focused on the discovery and development of innovative medicines and solutions to transform the lives of people living with severe diseases of the immune system or of the central nervous system. With more than 8 500 people in about 40 countries, the company generated revenue of EUR 3.2 billion in 2010. UCB is listed on Euronext Brussels (symbol: UCB).

Forward looking statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements based on current plans, estimates and beliefs of management. Such statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to be materially different from those that may be implied by such forward-looking statements contained in this press release. Important factors that could result in such differences include: changes in general economic, business and competitive conditions, effects of future judicial decisions, changes in regulation, exchange rate fluctuations and hiring and retention of its employees.