UCB Awards More Than 100 Scholarships in 2010, Transforming the Lives of People with Severe Diseases

ATLANTA, Sept. 21 /PRNewswire/ -- UCB, Inc., a global biopharmaceutical leader in the research and development of medications to treat serious conditions including immunology disorders and central nervous system conditions, is proud to support people living beyond the boundaries of Crohn's disease, rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and epilepsy through three unique scholarship programs.

In five years, UCB has awarded more than 400 scholarships—totaling more than $3 million—to individuals living with Crohn's disease, rheumatoid arthritis and epilepsy, as well as their caregivers and family members.

This year, UCB will award more than 100 scholarships, ranging from $5,000 to $10,000 each, to inspiring people whose lives have been affected by these conditions, and who seek personal growth through higher learning. The winners will be announced this fall.

"UCB is committed to making a meaningful difference in the lives of patients and their families by providing innovative treatment options for immunological and neurological conditions," said Greg Duncan, UCB President for North American Operations. "We are proud to recognize and reward individuals who are equally committed to making a meaningful difference in their communities. Our scholarship winners' accomplishments prove beyond a doubt what we at UCB have always believed—that when people with Crohn's disease, rheumatoid arthritis and epilepsy are well cared for, they can live beyond the boundaries imposed by severe disease."

Putting Patients First

UCB offers support to people living with chronic diseases, along with their families and caregivers, through a broad range of programs that foster independence and empowerment. The company recognizes patients have lives beyond their medical conditions, and the UCB Family Scholarship programs are an example of the company's vision. For information about UCB's commitment to patients, visit www.UCB-usa.com/patients/.

More Information about UCB Scholarship Programming

• More information about the UCB Crohn's and Me Scholarship Program™ is available at www.crohnsandme.com.
• More information about the UCB Rheumatoid Arthritis Family Scholarship Program™ is available at www.reachbeyondra.com.
• More information about the UCB Family Epilepsy Scholarship Program™ is available at www.ucbepilepsyscholarship.com and www.facebook.com/UCBEpilepsyScholarship.

Advancing Care

UCB's patient-centric approach is also reflected in the company's leadership in the research and development of treatments for Crohn's disease, RA and epilepsy. The drive to improve the lives of people with these conditions has led to the introduction of widely prescribed therapies. For further information on UCB products, please visit www.UCB.com.

About Crohn's Disease

Crohn's disease is a chronic, progressive, destructive disorder that causes inflammation of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, most commonly at the end of the small intestine (the ileum) and beginning of the large intestine (the colon). If not effectively treated, it may result in the need for surgery and hospitalization. Crohn's disease has been estimated to affect as many as half a million Americans. People with Crohn's can experience an ongoing cycle of flare-up and remission throughout their lives.

About Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)

RA affects more than 1.3 million Americans, and it is estimated that 5 million people suffer from RA globally. Prevalence is not split evenly between genders, since women are three times more likely to be affected than men. Although RA can affect people of all ages, the onset of the disease usually occurs between 35 and 55 years of age.

About Epilepsy

Epilepsy is a chronic neurological disorder affecting approximately 3 million people in the U.S. making it as common as breast cancer. Anyone can develop epilepsy; it occurs across all ages, races and genders. Uncontrolled seizures and medication side effects pose challenges to independent living, learning and employment, so the goal of epilepsy treatment is seizure freedom with minimal side effects. However, only half of people diagnosed will achieve seizure freedom with the first medication they try, and more than 1 million people in the U.S. continue to experience seizures despite trying two or more antiepileptic drugs. New medications and treatments give hope to those living with uncontrolled seizures.

About UCB

UCB, Brussels, Belgium (www.ucb.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 9 000 people in over 40 countries, UCB produced revenue of EUR 3.1 billion in 2009. UCB is listed on Euronext Brussels (symbol: UCB).

For further information on UCB products, please visit www.UCB.com.

Forward-looking statements

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.

SOURCE UCB