UCB (EBR:UCB) Announces Start Of Phase I Study For Antibody Drug Candidate Cdp6038

UCB (EBR:UCB) Brussels (Belgium), December 2, 2008 at 07:00 AM (CET) - UCB announced today that its CDP6038 antibody drug candidate targeting IL-6 has achieved a key milestone as the first subjects have been dosed in its Phase 1 'first in human' study.

Interleukin-6 (IL-6) is one of several cytokines involved in the inflammatory process. CDP6038 is thus part of UCB's long-term commitment to the field of immunology and, in pre-clinical studies, has already shown potential in a number of auto-immune diseases.

"CDP6038 is an exciting programme because it represents an opportunity for a next generation of anti-IL-6 biologic therapeutics", said Dr Melanie Lee, Executive Vice-President UCB, President UCB NewMedicines. "The molecule's design includes unique aspects that could translate into important patient benefits."

CDP6038 is the first new compound to enter Phase I of clinical development since UCB NewMedicines, UCB's discovery research through to clinical proof of concept organisation, was formed earlier this year.

For further information Antje Witte, Corporate Communications & Investor Relations, UCB T +32.2.559.9414, Antje.witte@ucb-group.com

Richard Simpson, Investor Relations, UCB T +32.2.559.9494, Richard.Simpson@ucb-group.com

Michael Tuck-Sherman, Investor Relations, UCB T +32.2.559.9712, Michael.Tuck-Sherman@ucb-group.com

About UCB UCB, Brussels, Belgium (www.ucb-group.com) is a biopharmaceutical company dedicated to the research, development and commercialization of innovative medicines with a focus on the fields of central nervous system and immunology disorders. Employing more than 10 000 people in over 40 countries, UCB achieved revenue of 3.6 billion euro in 2007. UCB is listed on Euronext Brussels (symbol: UCB).

Forward looking statement This press release contains forward-looking statements based on current plans, estimates and beliefs of management. Such statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to be materially different from those that may be implied by such forward-looking statements contained in this press release. Important factors that could result in such differences include: changes in general economic, business and competitive conditions, effects of future judicial decisions, changes in regulation, exchange rate fluctuations and hiring and retention of its employees.

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