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UCB's Keppra® patent litigation in the US settled

Brussels, Belgium, October 4, 2007 at 11:00 PM (CET) - UCB today announced that it has reached agreement with each of Mylan Laboratories and Mylan Pharmaceuticals (Mylan), Dr. Reddy's Laboratories (Dr Reddy's) and Cobalt Pharmaceuticals (Cobalt) to settle pending patent infringement lawsuits in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Georgia.

These consolidated lawsuits involve the patent (the '639 patent) for levetiracetam, the active ingredient in UCB's anti-epilepsy product, Keppra®.

Under the terms of the settlement agreement with Mylan, and subject to its receiving FDA approval, Mylan will be allowed to sell its generic levetiracetam tablets effective November 1, 2008, in advance of the anticipated expiry of UCB's market exclusivity on January 14, 2009 (subject to grant of paediatric exclusivity under the '639 patent).

The parties have agreed to maintain as confidential the remaining terms of the Mylan settlement agreement and those with Dr. Reddy's and Cobalt.

The settlement arrangements are subject to mandated review by the US anti trust authorities.

This settlement of the lawsuits in a mutually beneficial manner was achieved following a mediation process at the encouragement of the Court and will enable the parties to focus their efforts on the conduct of their respective businesses.

Further information

Antje Witte, Vice-President Corporate Communications & Investor Relations, UCB Group

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

 

About UCB

UCB, Brussels, Belgium (www.ucb-group.com) is a global leader in the biopharmaceutical industry 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 more than 10,000 people in over 40 countries, UCB achieved revenue of 3.5 billion euro in 2006 on a pro forma basis. UCB is listed on the Euronext Brussels Exchange.

 

Disclaimer

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.

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