UCB gains global rights pertaining to VEGFR-2 for CDP-791
Brussels (Belgium), February 6, 2007 - 8:00 AM (CET) - UCB (Euronext: UCB) announced today that UCB and ImClone Systems Incorporated (NASDAQ: IMCL) ("ImClone") have agreed to terminate their CDP-791 development agreement. UCB will enjoy freedom to operate rights globally to ImClone's intellectual property pertaining to vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-2 ("VEGFR-2") for CDP-791. In return, ImClone will receive a royalty on future sales of CDP-791, when UCB will commercialise this antibody.
Melanie Lee, Executive Vice President, R&D, UCB, commented "UCB will continue to fully develop CDP-791 and intends to globally market this promising compound in the future. The development of CDP-791 is progressing well and we are eagerly awaiting the results of the phase IIa evaluation in the next couple of months as planned."
UCB is currently evaluating CDP-791 for the treatment of non-small-cell lung cancer in a phase IIa clinical programme. CDP-791 is UCB's PEGylated diFab antibody designed to inhibit the function of a signaling pathway known to play a role in the formation of blood vessels in tumors by blocking VEGFR-2 from binding to molecules (ligands) that stimulate its activation.
About UCB
UCB (www.ucb-group.com) is a leading global biopharmaceutical company dedicated to the research, development and commercialisation of innovative pharmaceutical and biotechnology products in the fields of central nervous system disorders, allergy/respiratory diseases, immune and inflammatory disorders and oncology - UCB focuses on securing a leading position in severe disease categories. Employing over 8,300 people in over 40 countries, UCB achieved revenue of 2.3 billion euro in 2005. UCB is listed on the Euronext Brussels Exchange. Worldwide headquarters are located in Brussels, Belgium.
Further information: |
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Jean-Christophe Donck | Mareike Mohr |
Vice President, | Associate Director, |
Corporate Communications & Investor Relations | Investor Relations |
Tel. +32 2 559 9346 | Tel. +32 2 559 9264 |
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