UCB announces start of Phase I study for antibody drug candidate CDP6038

Brussels (Belgium), December 2, 2008 at 07:00 AM (CET) - UCB announced today that its CDP6038 antibody drug candidate targeting IL-6 has achieved a key milestone as the first subjects have been dosed in its Phase 1 'first in human' study.

Interleukin-6 (IL-6) is one of several cytokines involved in the inflammatory process. CDP6038 is thus part of UCB's long-term commitment to the field of immunology and, in pre-clinical studies, has already shown potential in a number of auto-immune diseases.

"CDP6038 is an exciting programme because it represents an opportunity for a next generation of anti-IL-6 biologic therapeutics", said Dr Melanie Lee, Executive Vice-President UCB, President UCB NewMedicines. "The molecule's design includes unique aspects that could translate into important patient benefits."

CDP6038 is the first new compound to enter Phase I of clinical development since UCB NewMedicines, UCB's discovery research through to clinical proof of concept organisation, was formed earlier this year. 

For further information
Antje Witte, Corporate Communications & Investor Relations, UCB

T +32.2.559.9414, Antje.witte@ucb-group.com

Richard Simpson, Investor Relations, UCB

T +32.2.559.9494, Richard.Simpson@ucb-group.com 

Michael Tuck-Sherman, Investor Relations, UCB
T +32.2.559.9712, Michael.Tuck-Sherman@ucb-group.com

About UCB
UCB, Brussels, Belgium (www.ucb-group.com) is a biopharmaceutical company dedicated to the research, development and commercialization of innovative medicines with a focus on the fields of central nervous system and immunology disorders. Employing more than 10 000 people in over 40 countries, UCB achieved revenue of 3.6 billion euro in 2007. UCB is listed on Euronext Brussels (symbol: UCB).

Forward looking statement
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