UCB Strengthens Research Capabilities With Acquisition of Element Genomics, a Duke University Biotech Spin-off

Brussels (ots/PRNewswire) -

- Acquisition to strengthen UCB's genomics and epigenomics research
platform to identify novel drug targets

UCB announces the acquisition of Element Genomics, a small-size
biotech spin-off from Duke University, based in Durham, North
Carolina (USA). The total cost of the transaction, including upfront
and short-term success-based milestone payments, will amount to up to
USD 30 million.

At the core of the Element Genomics platform is a suite of
technologies to improve understanding of genome structure and
function such as CRISPR editing technologies used for genomic and
epigenomic regulatory region analysis and modulation, underpinned and
enabled with advanced informatics capabilities, and driven by a
strong scientific team. Element Genomics' proven technologies and
expertise will enhance UCB's scientific research platform enabling
the company to continue to enrich its pipeline, in particular
strengthening target discovery and characterization in disease
relevant systems.

Speaking about the deal, Dhavalkumar Patel, UCB's Chief Scientific
Officer explains: "Element Genomics researchers have a stellar
reputation and their scientific expertise in genomics and epigenomics
will complement UCB's, allowing us to deepen our understanding of
disease mechanisms with the aim of developing targeted therapies. We
look forward to working with the Element Genomics team and welcome
them within UCB."

"We at Element are thrilled that UCB shared our vision for
treating disease through knowledge gained through functional genomics
and the vast and largely unexplored biology of the epigenome. We
believe that together with UCB we can much more quickly harness the
power of this approach," said John Oxaal, CEO of Element Genomics.

Alexander Moscho, UCB's Chief Strategy Officer said: "This
acquisition is perfectly in line with our network strategy, where we
seek the best partners to augment our expertise in key scientific
areas. This in turn helps us to maintain a dynamic pipeline of
cutting-edge programs which we can grow organically or choose to
partner out to deliver the most value for patients."

Element Genomics' team will continue to be based in downtown
Durham, North Carolina, and will work very closely with UCB's
international research teams. Close cooperation will be pursued with
Duke University and the Element Genomics founders, Duke University
Professors Charles Gersbach, Greg Crawford, Tim Reddy and Kris Wood.

About UCB

UCB, Brussels, Belgium (http://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 in immunology and neurology. With around
7 500 people operating in 40 countries, the company generated revenue
of EUR 4.5 billion in 2017. UCB is listed on Euronext Brussels
(symbol: UCB). Follow us on Twitter: @UCB_news

About Element Genomics

Element Genomics is a discovery stage biotechnology company based
in Durham, North Carolina, focused on finding breakthough cures for
severe human disease through the use of functional genomics and
manipulation of the epigenome.

UCB Forward-Looking Statements

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.

ots Originaltext: UCB Pharma
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Contact:
France Nivelle
Global Communications
UCB
T +32-2-559-9178
france.nivelle@ucb.com
Laurent Schots
Media Relations
UCB
T+32-2-559-92-64
laurent.schots@ucb.com Investor Relations
Antje Witte
Investor Relations
UCB
T +32-2-559-94-14
antje.witte@ucb.com
Isabelle Ghellynck
Investor Relations
UCB
T +32-2-559-9588
isabelle.ghellynck@ucb.com

Original-Content von: UCB Pharma, übermittelt durch news aktuell