UCB ‘on track’ to deliver 2007 targets

UCB has given an update of the company’s current position, reporting that it is “on track” to deliver its financial and development targets for 2007.

The firm has also provided its financial outlook for the year ahead, forecasting continued progress in the execution of its strategy and additional investment in the future growth of the company.

In 2007, UCB reported progress in its three major areas of strategic focus: central nervous system disorders; inflammation and autoimmune disorders; and oncology.

The company reported the filing of Vimpat, (lacosamide) and Neupro, (rotigotine transdermal system) with European regulators and the progress of a number of compounds in its drug development pipeline.

Roch Doliveux, chief executive officer of UCB, said: “UCB is well on track to deliver on its targets for 2007.

“With our promising pipeline, we are making significant progress to become the next generation biopharma leader. With resilience and focus, we are working on our execution phase.”

The firm has forecast revenue for 2007 to exceed last year’s pro forma figure of 3.5 billion euros (2.5 billion pounds), while net profit is expected to surpass 100 million euros.

Last week, UCB announced that Alan Blinken, Guy Keutgen and Jean-Louis Vanherweghem would leave its board of directors, as would chair George Jacobs, with Mr Jacobs being replaced as chair by Karel Boone.

The firm announced the appointment of Thomas Leysen, Jean-Pierre Kinet and Armand De Decker as new board members.