UCB SA - BNP Paribas Fortis

Issuer is developing from its strong presence in epilepsy into additional neurological indications such as
movement and sleep disorders, building on its reputation in the field of neurology.
(f) Experienced scientific and management teams
Scientists at the Issuer are well-regarded in their respective fields, and management teams have
significant experience in the pharmaceutical industry. Within the Issuer, the scientists and management
teams work together to bring products through to patients efficiently and are committed to the Issuer’s
goal of putting the patient at the focal point of innovation, with the aim of producing new therapies
which have a tangible positive impact on sufferers of severe CNS and immunology disorders.
The key strategies which the Issuer employs to develop and maximise the potential in its business
include:
(a) Successful commercialisation and launch of new products
The UCB Group is focused on the successful launch of new products with the aim of achieving
commercial success. In 2008, five new products were launched, including Cimzia® (in the U.S.),
Toviaz® (a product developed by the Issuer but marketed by Pfizer) (in the EU), Vimpat® (in Germany
and the UK), Keppra®XR (in the U.S.) and Xyzal® oral solution (in the U.S.); and during the first half
of 2009, four further products were launched: Vimpat® (in the U.S.), Toviaz® (in the U.S.), Neupro®
(in the EU) and Cimzia® (in the U.S.).
(b) Continued commercialisation of products no longer protected by patents
While Keppra®, a market leader in the treatment of epilepsy in the U.S. and Europe, ceased having
exclusivity from generic competition in the U.S. in November 2008, during 2008 its worldwide net
sales grew by 23 per cent. over 2007 sales to €1,266 million. The negative impact of Keppra®‘s loss of
exclusivity on U.S. sales was partially compensated by the launch of Keppra®XR in the U.S. and
Vimpat® in Europe during 2008, and the expansion of Keppra® into significant emerging markets,
such as China, India and Korea, where sales in 2008 increased by 47 per cent., compared with 2007, to
€60 million. Further, sales of Keppra® in Europe increased by 29 per cent. during 2008. Keppra® is
also being co-developed by the Issuer and Otsuka Pharmaceuticals in Japan, with regulatory approval in
its first epilepsy indication expected in 2010. In Europe, following expiry of the basic protection for the
active ingredient, levocetirizine, Xyzal® continues to perform well. However recent registration of
various generic versions of levocetirizine and attacks on the patent covering its key indications may see
sales decline.
Some products, such as Nootropil®, are no longer actively promoted in major market geographies by
the Issuer, but they retain a steady or slowly declining market share and sales, and therefore provide a
reliable source of income for the business and are continuing to grow in some of the Issuer’s major
emerging country operations.
(c) Focus on development of the pipeline
The strategic split of the research and development function between UCB NewMedicines and
Global Projects & Development is designed to allow better allocation of resources between the
development of molecules to clinical proof-of-concept and bringing such concepts through to the
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