NICE Recommends Approval of New Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) Treatment Cimzia(R) (certolizumab pegol) With First of its Kind RA Patient Access Scheme

First RA Treatment to Receive Positive Guidance from NICE in More than two Years [1]

SLOUGH, England, January 21 - Cimzia(R) (certolizumab pegol) has been recommended for approval by
NICE [2] as an option for the treatment of adults with severe active RA on
the condition that the Patient Access Scheme is implemented and the drug is
prescribed in accordance with NICE TAG130 [3].

The registered UK indication for the drug Cimzia is for use in
combination with methotrexate (MTX), for the treatment of moderate to severe,
active rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in adult patients when the response to
disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) including methotrexate, has
been inadequate. Cimzia can be given as monotherapy in case of intolerance to
methotrexate or when continued treatment with methotrexate is
inappropriate.[4]

In England an estimated 580,000 adults suffer with RA [5]. RA is a
debilitating, chronic disease which causes joint inflammation and which can
lead to long-term joint damage, resulting in pain, disability and
disfigurement [6]. Women are two to three times more likely to suffer from RA
than men [7] and the disease strikes people in the prime of their lives
between the ages of 30-50 [7].

In a novel move for drugs in RA, manufacturer UCB has worked with the
Department of Health to provide a clear, cost effective alternative for
people with RA through a Patient Access Scheme. In clinical studies, the new
drug has demonstrated rapid treatment efficacy with significant results as
early as the first week of treatment [8,9], and the majority of patients
responded to treatment within the first 12 weeks8,9. UCB and the Department
of Health have agreed a patient access scheme to ensure that treatment
decisions are based on patient need rather than cost [10,2]. UCB will make
the new treatment available to all eligible RA patients free of charge for
the first 12 weeks [10]. This means no cost to the NHS for patients
prescribed the drug for the first 12 weeks of treatment regardless of
whether they respond to treatment or not [10].

Ailsa Bosworth, Chief Executive of the National Rheumatoid Arthritis
Society, comments: "This is the first time a new NICE recommended RA
treatment has been made available in over two years - and could make a big
difference to patients' day to day lives."

Clinical trials have also shown that, the drug, in combination with
methotrexate - the treatment most often prescribed for RA - has shown fast
and lasting RA symptom reduction for up to two years [11]. These sustained
results were accompanied by long-term improvements to quality of life such as
pain relief, fatigue, energy and emotional well-being [11,12].

"Certolizumab pegol is an important new treatment option for people with
rheumatoid arthritis, and it's exciting that it is now available on the NHS,"
commented Professor Peter Taylor, investigator and Professor in Experimental
Rheumatology, Imperial College London NHS Trust. "Certolizumab pegol has been
shown to rapidly improve patients' symptoms and to significantly reduce the
rate of progression of joint damage associated with rheumatoid arthritis*.
This fast and lasting effect is important as it quickly improves function,
reduces work disability and leads to a better quality of life for
patients [8]."

The new treatment is available in an innovative pre-filled syringe [4],
and its award winning [Red Dot] packaging13 has been designed with the U.S.
consumer products company OXO, maker of Good Grips(R), in consultation with
RA patients, taking into account the challenges faced when self-injecting
medication, as painful or inflamed joints can limit dexterity.

*compared to placebo plus MTX treatment in RA patients with an incomplete
response to MTX in clinical trials.

For full prescribing information visit www.emea.europa.eu

Notes to the editor

About Cimzia(R) (certolizumab pegol)

certolizumab pegol is the first PEGylated anti-TNF (Tumour Necrosis
Factor alpha) to be launched in the U.K. for the treatment of moderate to
severe active RA (recommended for approval by NICE for the treatment of
severe active RA in England and Wales) in combination with MTX, in adult
patients when the response to disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs)
including methotrexate, has been inadequate (for full indication see SPC)4.
Certolizumab pegol has also been approved for use alone as monotherapy in
case of intolerance to MTX or when continued treatment with MTX is
inappropriate, in the same patient population4. Certolizumab pegol is a
monoclonal antibody with high specificity for human TNF-alpha, selectively
neutralising the pathophysiological effects of TNF-alpha4. Over the past
decade, TNF-alpha has emerged as a major target of basic research and
clinical investigation. This cytokine plays a key role in mediating
inflammation, and excess TNF-alpha production has been directly implicated in
a wide variety of diseases. The launch of certolizumab pegol follows
marketing authorisation on 5 October, 2009 by the European Medicines Agency
(EMEA). Cimzia(R) is a registered trademark of UCB PHARMA S.A.

Important safety information

The most common adverse reactions belonged to the system organ classes
Infections and infestations, reported in 15.5% of patients on Cimzia(R) and
7.6% of patients on placebo, and General disorders and administration site
conditions, reported in 10.0% of patients on Cimzia(R) and 9.7% of patients
on placebo. The most serious adverse reactions were serious infections
(including tuberculosis and histoplasmosis), malignancies (including
lymphoma) and heart failure. A pooled analysis of the safety data show there
was a low incidence of injection site pain (1.5 percent) and low level of
discontinuations due to adverse events.

Cimzia(R) is contraindicated in patients with active tuberculosis or
other severe infections such as sepsis, abscesses and opportunistic
infections and in patients with moderate to severe heart failure. Before
initiation of Cimzia(R), evaluate patients for both active or inactive
(latent) tuberculosis infection. Monitor patients for the development of
signs and symptoms of infection during and after treatment with Cimzia(R). If
an infection develops, monitor carefully, and stop Cimzia(R) if infection
becomes serious.

Use of TNF blockers, including Cimzia(R), may increase the risk of
reactivation of hepatitis B virus (HBV) in patients who are chronic carriers
of this virus, of new onset or exacerbation of clinical symptoms and/or
radiographic evidence of demyelinating disease, in the formation of
autoantibodies and uncommonly in the development of a lupus-like syndrome or
of severe hypersensitivity reactions following Cimzia administration. If a
patient develops any of these adverse reactions, Cimzia(R) should be
discontinued and appropriate therapy instituted.

Adverse reactions of the hematologic system, including medically
significant cytopenia, have been infrequently reported with Cimzia(R). Advise
all patients to seek immediate medical attention if they develop signs and
symptoms suggestive of blood dyscrasias or infection (e.g., persistent fever,
bruising, bleeding, pallor) while on Cimzia(R). Consider discontinuation of
Cimzia(R) therapy in patients with confirmed significant haematological
abnormalities.

The use of Cimzia(R) in combination with biological DMARDS such as
anakinra, abatacept and rituximab is not recommended due to a potential
increased risk of serious infections. As no data are available, Cimzia(R)
should not be administered concurrently with live vaccines or attenuated
vaccines.

Please see full prescribing information before prescribing.

About the NICE FAD

The National Institute of Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) has today
published a draft Final Appraisal Determination (FAD) for certolizumab pegol,
recommending it for approval for use across England and Wales, following a
Single Technology Appraisal (STA) process which reviewed its
cost-effectiveness in the management of RA. Certolizumab pegol is recommended
for approval as an option for the treatment of adults with severe active RA
on the condition that the PAS is implemented and the drug is prescribed in
accordance with NICE TAG1302,3.

About UCB

UCB, Brussels, Belgium is a biopharmaceutical company dedicated to the
research, development and commercialisation of innovative medicines with a
focus on the fields of central nervous system and immunology disorders.
Employing approximately 10,000 people in over 40 countries, UCB generated
revenue of EUR 3.6 billion in 2008. UCB is listed on Euronext Brussels
(symbol: UCB).

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.

References

1. National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence. Rituximab for
the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. August 2007.
www.nice.org.uk/TA126

2. NICE. Final Appraisal Determination for certolizumab pegol for the
treatment of rheumatoid arthritis

3. NICE TAG130 - Rheumatoid Arthritis guidance.
www.nice.org.uk/TA130

4. EMEA. Cimzia Summary of Product Characteristics.

5. The National Audit Office. Services for people with rheumatoid
arthritis: Report by the comptroller and auditor General. HC 823 Session
2008-2009. 15 July 2009.

6. NRAS. What Is RA? Online, 2009.

7. Arthritis Foundation. Rheumatoid Arthritis: Who is at Risk? Online
2009.

8. Keystone E et al. Certolizumab pegol Plus Methotrexate Is
Significantly More Effective Than Placebo Plus Methotrexate in Active
Rheumatoid Arthritis. Arthritis & Rheumatism. Vol. 58, No. 11, November 2008,
pp 3319-3329 DOI 10.1002/art.23964.

9. Smolen, J. S., Landewe, R. B., Mease, P. J., Brzezicki, J., Mason, D.,
Luijtens, K., van Vollenhoven, R. F., Kavanaugh, A., Schiff, M. H.,
Burmester, G. R., Strand, V., Vencovsky, J., and van der Heijde, D. M.
Efficacy and Safety of Certolizumab Pegol Plus Methotrexate in Active
Rheumatoid Arthritis: The RAPID 2 Study Annals of the Rheumatic
Diseases;6-1-2009;68;6;797-804.

10. UCB. Patient Access Scheme (PAS) Submission DoH. 23 July 2009.

11. Keystone E et al. Combination Therapy with Certolizumab Pegol Plus
Methotrexate Maintains Long-Term Efficacy in the Treatment of Rheumatoid
Arthritis: A 2-Year Analysis. American College of Rheumatology Annual
Scientific Meeting (ACR), San Francisco, USA, October 2008. 08-A-2293-ACR,
Presentation Number 981, Poster Board Number 242. (Data on file).

12. Mease P et al. Improvements in Physical Function and Pain Relief were
Sustained in Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients Treated for 2 Years with
Certolizumab Pegol. American College of Rheumatology Annual Scientific
Meeting (ACR), San Francisco, USA, October 2008. 08-A-3256-ACR, Presentation
Number 975, Poster Board Number 236. (Data on file).

13. Red Dot Design Award. Red Dot Award: Communication Design 2009 -
Packaging. Date Accessed 16 December, 2009.
en.red-dot.org/3374+M5fdfe4f85a9.html.

For further information: Freeha Rafiq, UK Communications, UCB, Tel: +44(0)1753-447573, Email: freeha.rafiq at ucb.com