UCB raises profit outlook for 2011

UCB has said its financial performance for the first nine months of 2011 was in-line with expectations.

The Belgian pharmaceutical company's revenues totalled 2.45 billion euros (2.1 billion pounds) during the period, with combined sales of its Cimzia, Vimpat and Neupro drugs reaching 445 million euros.

According to the firm, the initial impact of generic competition to its blockbuster epilepsy drug Keppra was weaker than expected and the franchise enjoyed continued sales growth during the first nine months of the year.

Roch Doliveux, chief executive of UCB, said the group has seen "robust growth" of its core medicines.

He added: "The next 18 months are important for UCB: the full effect of the generic erosion of Keppra will be realised and at the same time we will continue to invest heavily in our new medicines."

UCB has updated its full-year financial outlook for 2011 and now expects to report total revenues in excess of 3.1 billion euros.