UCB Announces Plans To Build New Biopharma Manufacturing Plant In Belgium

Capacity to serve global late-stage development and commercial manufacturing of monoclonal antibody drug substance to support new product launches

UCB, a global biopharmaceutical company, today announced it will build an innovative and environmentally sustainable multi-product biological manufacturing facility on their site in Braine l’Alleud, Wallonia, Belgium. The new biotechnology plant is being constructed to accompany the company’s growth and prepare for the launch and long-term supply of future medicines currently in clinical development.

The new facility, representing an investment of more than 300 million euros over the coming years, is expected to be operational in 2024. Construction is due to start in the first quarter of 2020. The biotechnology plant will be one of the largest and most modern in Belgium.

“The shift of our pipeline towards large molecules requires us to ramp up investment in mammalian technical development, as well as our manufacturing capabilities. We are convinced Braine l’Alleud is an ideal location for the implementation of this large-scale manufacturing facility. And the presence of our Biotech Sciences Team, Bio-Pilot plant and diverse research capabilities on the same site will ensure accelerated product launches and supply reliability,” said Dr. Kirsten Lund-Jurgensen, EVP and Head of Supply & Technology at UCB.

Construction of the new biomanufacturing plant will also have a positive effect on employment. UCB is expecting to create more than 150 new, high skilled jobs once the plant becomes fully operational.

About UCB
UCB, Brussels, Belgium 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 7 500 people in approximately 40 countries, UCB generated revenue of € 4.6B in 2018. For more information, visit www.ucb.com.