UCB reports satisfaction with 2010 financial performance

UCB has expressed satisfaction with its 2010 full-year financial results after achieving a better-than-expected performance level.

The company's total revenue for the 12 months is expected to reach at least three billion euros (2.54 billion pounds), while earnings are also set to exceed its previous guidance.

Stronger-than-expected sales of the epilepsy treatment Keppra were cited as a key driver of this growth, as well as continuing demand for core products Vimpat, Neupro and Cimzia.

UCB stated last month that it will be investing 250 million euros in creating a new in-house biotech microbial manufacturing unit in Switzerland in order to increase its Cimzia production capability.

Detlef Thielgen, chief financial officer of UCB, said the firm expects to achieve a positive net result for 2010, despite the impact of certain one-time write-offs and payments.

"We are very satisfied with our operating performance in 2010. Our key financial performance indicators will surpass our financial outlook given earlier in 2010," he added.