UCB Proudly Reinforces Long-Standing Commitment to Patients and Physicians at American College of Gastroenterology 2011 Annual Scientific Meeting

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Oct 28, 2011, 10:00 ET

ATLANTA, Oct. 28, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- UCB, a leading biopharmaceutical company at the forefront of immunology treatment and research, is marking the 2011 American College of Gastroenterology (ACG) meeting in Washington, D.C. by reinforcing its commitment to improving the lives of patients with Crohn's disease. At this year's ACG meeting, a large body of UCB data will highlight the potential role of inflammatory biomarkers in treatment of moderate to severe Crohn's disease.

"ACG is an opportunity for UCB to engage in meaningful dialogue with our stakeholders regarding advances in treating Crohn's disease and how we can provide valuable therapies and support programs for healthcare providers and their patients," said Neil McFarlane, Vice President, Immunology Business Unit, UCB, Inc. "As a company, we believe that our time and resources should be spent doing what we do best – helping patients to live beyond the boundaries of their disease."

An Enduring Passion for Patient Care

UCB continues to demonstrate its aspiration of being the patient-centric global biopharmaceutical leader that transforms the lives of people living with severe diseases through scientific research, advocacy and programming. The company provides financial support for important professional and patient programming, including:

UCB Crohn's Scholarship Program: Since 2006, UCB has awarded almost 200 scholarships, totaling $1,620,000 in education support. 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 2012 scholarship starting in December 2011.

Crohn'sAdvocate: A robust patient resource, www.crohnsadvocate.com takes a 360 degree approach to connecting, educating and empowering those living with Crohn's disease. Through a team of inspiring advocates, a free magazine and website, the initiative is 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 and ulcerative colitis.

Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of America Corporate Sponsorship: UCB's ongoing sponsorship 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, Senior Manager, Communications and PR, UCB, Inc.
404.483.7329, [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 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 UCB

UCB, Brussels, Belgium (www.ucb-usa.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 2010. UCB is listed on Euronext Brussels (symbol: UCB).

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

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.

SOURCE UCB