UCB Proudly Reinforces Long-Standing Commitment to Crohn's Disease Community at Digestive Disease Week 2012

ATLANTA, May 18, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- UCB, Inc., a leading biopharmaceutical company dedicated to the research and development of treatments for severe central nervous system and immunological disorders, is marking Digestive Disease Week (DDW) 2012 in San Diego by reinforcing its commitment to improving the lives of patients with Crohn's disease. UCB will present scientific data at this year's DDW meeting.

"DDW is an exciting opportunity for UCB to join its colleagues in the gastrointestinal community and demonstrate our commitment to improving the lives of patients," said Neil McFarlane, Vice President, Immunology Business Unit, UCB, Inc.  "We are proud to say that UCB's dedication to patients goes beyond the development of effective therapies, but also provides valuable resources and programs to support and unite the Crohn's disease community."

Patient Centricity: The Heart of UCB's Commitment
As a patient-centric global biopharmaceutical leader, UCB transforms the lives of people living with severe diseases through scientific research, advocacy and patient programs.  The company provides support for important patient programs, including:

UCB Crohn's Scholarship Program: Since 2006, UCB has awarded more than 150 scholarships to Crohn's disease patients, totaling $1,620,000.  Scholarship winners must demonstrate academic ambition and the ability to embrace a way of life that overcomes the boundaries of living with Crohn's disease. Through the program, scholarships are awarded to help students continue their education and pursue their goals. Interested candidates will be able to apply for the 2013 scholarship starting in December 2012.

CrohnsandMe.com & Crohn'sAdvocate: A robust patient resource, www.CrohnsAndMe.com takes an all-encompassing approach to connecting, educating and empowering those living with Crohn's disease. Visitors to the site can register for a free magazine, Crohn'sAdvocate, featuring a team of inspiring people living with and beyond Crohn's disease. CrohnsAndMe.com and Crohn'sAdvocate are designed to connect people on the same journey and break the stigmas associated with Crohn's disease. 

"Get Your Guts in Gear" Official Sponsorship: UCB proudly sponsors this unique program, which brings together cyclists to raise awareness, funds, and provide support for those affected by Crohn's disease.

Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of America Corporate Sponsorship: UCB's ongoing support of the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of America helps to raise awareness about Crohn's disease, strengthen research efforts, and provide education to patients living with Crohn's disease and Colitis.

For Further Information:
Andrea Levin, Associate Director, U.S. Communications and Public Relations, UCB, Inc.
770.970.8352, [email protected]    

Dena Koklanaris, Cooney/Waters Group 
212.886.2228, [email protected]

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 more than half a million Americans.  People with Crohn's can experience an ongoing cycle of flare-up and remission throughout their lives.

About UCB
UCB, Brussels, Belgium (www.ucb.com) is a global biopharmaceutical company focused on the discovery and development of innovative medicines and solutions to transform the lives of people living with severe diseases of the immune system or of the central nervous system. With more than 8,500 people in about 40 countries, the company generated revenue of EUR 3.2 billion in 2011. 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. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, are statements that could be deemed forward-looking statements, including estimates of revenues, operating margins, capital expenditures, cash, other financial information, expected legal, political, regulatory or clinical results and other such estimates and results. By their nature, such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and are subject to risks, uncertainties and assumptions which could cause actual results to differ materially 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, the inability to obtain necessary regulatory approvals or to obtain them on acceptable terms, costs associated with research and development, changes in the prospects for products in the pipeline or under development by UCB, effects of future judicial decisions or governmental investigations, product liability claims, challenges to patent protection for products or product candidates, changes in laws or regulations, exchange rate fluctuations,  changes or uncertainties in tax laws or the administration of such laws and hiring and retention of its employees.  UCB is providing this information as of the date of this press release and expressly disclaims any duty to update any information contained in this press release, either to confirm the actual results or to report a change in its expectations.

There is no guarantee that new product candidates in the pipeline will progress to product approval or that new indications for existing products will be developed and approved. Products or potential products which are the subject of partnerships, joint ventures or licensing collaborations may be subject to differences between the partners. Also, UCB or others could discover safety, side effects or manufacturing problems with its products after they are marketed.

Moreover, sales may be impacted by international and domestic trends toward managed care and health care cost containment and the reimbursement policies imposed by third-party payers as well as legislation affecting biopharmaceutical pricing and reimbursement.

SOURCE UCB, Inc.