UCB confident in growth after strong first quarter

UCB has voiced confidence in its future growth prospects after experiencing year-on-year growth in the first quarter of 2011 that was in line with expectations.

The company's total revenue for the period rose by 13 percent to 893 million euros (791.89 million pounds), with the ongoing successful rollout of its core Cimzia, Vimpat and Neupro offerings playing a key role.

During the quarter, UCB was able to advance its developmental pipeline by publishing positive data from trials of the post-menopausal osteoporosis treatment CDP7851, as well as several Japan-based Cimzia studies.

Roch Doliveux, chief executive officer of UCB, noted that although its bestselling Keppra treatment is currently facing generic competition for the first time, the company will not see any further patent expirations for a decade.

"This, coupled with the advancement of our new products, should see UCB enter a period of sustainable company growth," he said.

The strong first-quarter performance follows on from its growth in 2010, during which it generated annual revenue of 3.22 billion euros.