UCB has booked a 7% rise in sales to 3.3 billion euros for 2014, as generic competition to anti-epileptic Keppra (levetiracetam) and a dip in royalty income/fees was more than compensated for by strong performances across core medicines.
Turnover of Keppra slipped 7% to 655 million euros, but combined revenues from anti-inflammatory Cimzia (certolizumab pegol), Vimpat (lacosamide) for epilepsy, and the Neupro (rotigotine) patch for Parkinson’s and Restless Legs Syndrome jumped 24% to nearly 1.5 billion euros.
Delving deeper into the figures, the Belgian drugmaker said sales of Cimzia jumped 35% to 797 million euros, Vimpat climbed 15% to 471 million euros, and Neurpo grew 10% to 200 million euros.
This, alongside a 45% jump in ‘other revenue’ mainly due to payments from partners, Sanofi and European Investment Bank, helped push a 6% rise in gross profit to 2.91 billion euros, while recurring earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) was up 14% to 609 million euros.
Looking forward, UCB said it expects Cimzia, Vimpat and Neupro to drive an increase in group 2015 revenues to 3.55-3.65 billion euros, while recurring EBITDA should increase to 710-740 million euros.
