UCB Plans New Bio Pilot Plant

UCB plans to build a biologics pilot plant at its site Braine-l’Alleud in Belgium, as part of the company’s efforts to focus on central nervous system (CNS) and immunology. The biologics pilot plant will help the company to further optimize the biomanufacturing processes for its biological compounds under development, with the goal of enhancing competencies in this field.

“The intent to build a new pilot plant within UCB’s Braine-l’Alleud site is in line with UCB’s decision to focus on its core skills and adapt its competencies for the future,” said Roch Doliveux, chief executive officer of UCB.

The company’s plan to invest $82 million is supported by the Walloon Government. The biologics pilot plant is expected to be operational in early 2012 and 100 new job opportunities should be created in the medium-term. Advanced feasibility studies are currently ongoing.