UCB notes success of clinical research projects in fourth quarter

UCB has expressed satisfaction with the progress made by its ongoing clinical research and drug development projects in the fourth quarter of 2010.

During the last three months of the year, the pharmaceutical company was able to achieve major clinical milestones in three phase III studies.

These included the commencement of a study assessing brivaracetam as an adjunctive therapy of epilepsy and the enrolment of its first patient for a trial of the systemic lupus erythematosus treatment epratuzumab.

Meanwhile, a phase III study of Vimpat as a treatment for epilepsy and seizures was also recently initiated, coming on the heels of positive data from a phase II trial of the same drug.

Additionally, UCB noted that it has begun a phase IIb programme for the rheumatoid arthritis drug CDP6038 ahead of schedule, with headline results set to be published in 2012.

Earlier this month, the company reported its financial results for 2010, noting a stronger-than-expected level of growth in terms of revenue and earnings.