UCB reports two percent increase in revenue

UCB's total revenues increased by two percent to 1,706 million euros (1.3 billion pounds) in the first half of 2012.

The firm's latest set of financial results show that sales of its main treatments for rheumatoid arthritis, epilepsy and Parkinson's disease totalled 413 million euros during the period.

Underlying profitability for the first six months of the year was 347 million euros.

"With growth of 45 percent in the first half of 2012, Cimzia, Vimpat and Neupro have reached over 354,000 patients," said UCB chief executive officer Roch Doliveux.

The firm has stated that it intends to ultimately reach 1.5 million patients with these three treatments and is on course to do so.

"This and solid Keppra contribution allows UCB to even further invest in our future growth as we have now three phase III projects in clinical development," Mr Doliveux added.

Keppra, the company's epilepsy treatment, performed well in Japan but saw sales fall in Europe and the US.