UCB Pharmaceuticals confirms positive outlook

Brussels-based UCB Pharmaceuticals has confirmed net income after tax for 2005 will be at least ?260 million.

The figure does not include the capital gain of ?470 million on the sale of the Surface Specialties activities, but sales have been helped along by the successful transformation of UCB into a pure biopharmaceutical company following the acquisition and integration of Celltech.

Growth was principally driven by an increase in sales of 30 per cent for Keppra, the epilepsy treatment, and allergy product Xyzal performed well in Europe.

The better than expected sales also allowed for higher research and development (R&D) and ongoing restructuring charges beyond the previously announced ?20 million.

Looking into 2006 UCB expected further sales growth but has warned that the expiry of the Boss technology patent will hit royalty income.

The company is also to increase its investment in Cimzia, which should be in line for launch in 2007.

Roch Doliveux, CEO of UCB, said: “With the successful integration of Celltech and the tremendous achievements of my UCB colleagues, our first full year of operations as a biopharmaceutical company has been very encouraging, delivering rapid growth and giving us a solid base for 2006 and beyond.

“2006 will be a year of continued growth in sales as well as significant investments for the future, including the preparation for the Cimzia launch and further R&D progress.”

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