TEST: UCB First Half-Year 2006 Financial Results

 

Revenue increased by 12% to 1,322 million euro (first half 2005: 1,184 million euro) , driven by net sales, up 9%, and substantial royalty income contribution

Strong growth in Keppra® net sales up 42% to 365 million euro, reinforcing US market leadership

Solid allergy sales of 406 million euro (up 6%) with Zyrtec® continuing to grow in the U.S.A. and a steady performance from Xyzal®

Investment in R&D up 24% to 307 million euro, reaching 27% of net sales,  focused primarily on various indications for Cimzia(TM), and successors of Keppra®

Recurring EBITA of 290 million euro and recurring EBIT of 271 million euro, both up 9%

Net profit from continuing operations of 237 million euro (up 44%), including capital gains on sale of non-core business (Bioproducts) and products (Delsym®, Corifeo®, Gastrocrom®) and restructuring expenses

 

Xyzal® New Drug Application (NDA) filed with the FDA    

Keppra® XR (extended release), a once daily formulation, entered phase III evaluation   

Extremely encouraging phase II trial data for Cimzia(TM) in psoriasis, and all other Cimzia(TM) programmes on track

Acquisition of Epratuzumab, a specialist product for auto-immune diseases, such as Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

 

Brussels (Belgium), 27 July 2006, 7:00 AM CET - UCB today announced its financial results for the six months ended 30 June 2006.

 

Roch Doliveux, CEO of UCB, commenting on the first half 2006 performance, said:   "UCB performed well in the first half of 2006, delivering solid results financially, in R&D and strategically.   Keppra®, now UCB's number one product, achieved outstanding growth and our allergy franchise continued to grow driven by Xyzal® and Zyrtec®.  Significant progress was also made in our R&D pipeline, with the launch of a phase III trial for Keppra® XR, the new extended release form of Keppra® and approval of a number of new Keppra® indications.  Furthermore CimziaTM was filed for regulatory approval in Crohn's disease with the FDA and EMEA and achieved extremely encouraging phase II results in psoriasis."

"We are also on track in our preparations for a targeted launch of Cimzia(TM) in Crohn's disease in the first half of 2007. The NDA for Xyzal® has been filed with the FDA."