UCB exits primary care market in US to focus on immunology and neurology
Belgian biopharmaceutical company UCB will exit the primary care market in the US by 1 March 2010 to concentrate on immunology and neurology drugs.
Belgian biopharmaceutical company UCB will exit the primary care market in the US by 1 March 2010 to concentrate on immunology and neurology drugs.
"UCB will now focus its resources on providing solutions to patients who suffer from severe diseases with Cimzia and Vimpat, as well as prepare for Neupro," said Roch Doliveux, chief executive of UCB.
UCB has already launched Cimzia (certolizumab pegol) and Vimpat (lacosamide) in the US and is awaiting FDA approval for the launch of Neupro (rotigotine transdermal patch).
From 1 March, Sanofi-aventis will assume all commercialisation responsibility for allergy drug Xyzal (levocetirizine dihydrochloride) in the US and UCB will continue to receive a percentage of Xyzal profits.
In addition, the co-promotion agreement for ProAir HFA (albuterol sulfate) with Teva's respiratory division will end and Teva will assume full commercialisation responsibility for the drug.
UCB said it would continue to support its cough medication, Tussionex (hydrocodone polistirex), through trade promotional activities that do not require sales force support.
The company remains "fully committed" to the commercialisation of venlafaxine extended-release tablets (VERT) through its subsidiary, Upstate Pharma.
