UCB and Biogen Idec discontinue Phase II clinical trial of CDP323

* Reuters is not responsible for the content in this press release.

Tue Jun 30, 2009 4:40pm EDT 

  BRUSSELS, BELGIUM, Jun 30 (MARKET WIRE) -- 

Preliminary interim efficacy analysis showed no clinically relevant
benefit for patients

    Brussels (Belgium), 30 June 2009 at 10:30 pm CEST - press release,
regulated information - UCB and Biogen Idec announced today the
discontinuation of the Phase II clinical trial of CDP323 for the
treatment of relapsing multiple sclerosis (MS). Preliminary interim
efficacy analysis showed that patients enrolled in this clinical trial
did not benefit as expected from CDP323 compared to placebo after a six
month treatment period. No cases of PML (progressive multifocal
leukoencephalopathy) were noted.

    CDP323 is an oral small molecule alpha4 integrin inhibitor that was being
developed by UCB and Biogen Idec for relapsing forms of multiple
sclerosis.

    For UCB, results of this interim analysis trigger a re-valuation of the
intangible asset "CDP323". UCB expects a non-cash, non-recurring
impairment of a high double-digit million pre-tax euro amount. This will
be more than compensated by cash, non-recurring capital gains, which
resulted from the divestitures UCB made earlier this year. More
information on the financial impacts of both the impairment and the
capital gains will be included in the Half Year Report 2009 of UCB, due
July 31, 2009.

    Notes to the Editors

    About Multiple Sclerosis

    Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic disease of the central nervous
system that affects an estimated 1.1 - 2.5 million people worldwide.
Although the exact cause is unknown, MS occurs as a result of loss of the
protective outer coating on nerves in the brain and spinal cord.
Deterioration in the way that messages are transmitted around the body
leads to loss of movement and other body functions. Symptoms of MS can
include vision problems, loss of balance, numbness, difficulty walking
and paralysis.

    About Biogen Idec

    Biogen Idec creates new standards of care in therapeutic areas with high
unmet medical needs. Founded in 1978, Biogen Idec is a global leader in
the discovery, development, manufacturing, and commercialization of
innovative therapies. Patients in more than 90 countries benefit from
Biogen Idec's significant products that address diseases such as
lymphoma, multiple sclerosis, and rheumatoid arthritis. For product
labeling, press releases and additional information about the company,
please visit www.biogenidec.com.

    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 around 10 000 people in over 40
countries, UCB produced revenue of 3.6 billion euro in 2008. 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.

    For the pdf-version of this press release, please click on the link below:

    http://hugin.info/133973/R/1326231/312091.pdf

    This announcement was originally distributed by Hugin. The issuer is
solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

    Copyright Copyright Hugin AS 2009. All rights reserved.

    

Further information

Antje Witte
Corporate Communications & Investor Relations
UCB
T +32.2.559.9414
Email Contact

Michael Tuck-Sherman
Investor Relations
UCB
T +32.2.559.9712
Email Contact

Nancy Nackaerts
External Communications
UCB
T +32.2.559.9264
Email Contact

Eimear O'Brien
Global CNS Communications Manager
UCB
T +32.2.559.9271
Email Contact

Shannon Altimari
Public Affairs
Biogen Idec
T:+1 617-914-6524
Email Contact

John Applegate
Investor Relations
Biogen Idec
T: +1 617-679-2812
Email Contact

Copyright 2009, Market Wire, All rights reserved.

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