UCB highlights markers of progress in Q1 2012

UCB has published its interim financial report covering the first quarter of 2012, during which it delivered a total revenue figure of 877 million euros (711.83 million pounds).

This was in line with company expectations, with performance impacted by increased generic competition for older drugs, but compensated for by the growth of the core products Cimzia, Vimpat and Neupro.

Combined sales of the three products came to 200 million euros for the three-month period, up by 50 percent compared to Q1 2011, while a US approval of Neupro was secured and positive phase III data for new indications of Cimzia were published.

Total UCB revenue for 2012 is still anticipated to come in at around 3.1 billion euros, with the continued growth of the three key drugs set to continue to be a central trend.

Roch Doliveux, chief executive officer of UCB, said: "UCB is now particularly well-positioned for the future … We are pleased with our pipeline performance."

The company also recently announced a new collaboration with the University of Oxford, which will see the two organisations jointly creating immunology and neurology treatments.