UCB increases stake in Wilex

UCB has acquired an expanded stake in Wilex, the cancer drug specialist which holds the development rights to UCB’s preclinical oncology portfolio.

The company has purchased an additional 6.65 per cent of shares in Wilex, bringing its total shareholding in the Munich-based firm to 18.05 per cent.

UCB and Wilex have been partners since January 2009, allowing Wilex to acquire and develop five oncology projects, with UCB retaining the rights to re-purchase any of the drugs for final commercialisation.

The deal is intended to allow UCB to benefit from Wilex’s oncology expertise, while helping it to focus its own research and development activities on the core therapy areas of immunology and central nervous system conditions.

Dr Ismail Kola, executive vice-president UCB and president of UCB NewMedicines, added: “Wilex is the ideal strategic partner to develop UCB’s oncology portfolio.”

According to UCB’s most recent interim report, the company expects to see an increase in its total annual revenue during 2010, thanks to the launch of new drugs such as Cimzia, Vimpat and Neupro.