UCB says results are what it predicted

The company’s financial results for the first quarter of 2008 were as expected, UCB says.

Chief executive Roch Doliveux said the company made “significant progress” and enjoyed some successes as well as some minor setbacks in the three-month period.

UCB’s revenue and net sales fell by one per cent on the previous year’s figures and the company noted that it had key products that were contributing to growth.

These are Keppra, Xyzal and Tussionex; Zyrtec sales fell because the drug patent expired.

However the company also added that this financial outlook is currently under review because of the recall of its Parkinson’s treatment Neupro from the US market and parts of Europe.

“Overall, in the first quarter, we achieved a financial performance well in line with our stated expectations,” said Mr Doliveux.

“In the first three months of 2008, UCB made significant progress and achieved important milestones.”

UCB has a focus on epilepsy, Crohn’s disease, allergies and other conditions.