Learn more about us: Our recent highlights and our innovative 90-year heritage

1928

UCB is established

Emmanuel Janssen establishes Union Chimique Belge (UCB) in Brussels (Belgium), primarily focusing on industrial chemicals.

1940

Manufacturing increases

Production of primary care products (e.g., calcium, vitamins, insulin) during World War II.

1950s–60s

R&D focus grows

Stronger focus on research, resulting in the discovery of one of the world’s first tranquillisers in 1954, hydroxyzine. This provided the resources to create a new state-of-the-art pharmaceutical R&D centre in Braine-l’Alleud, Belgium (1964).

1970s

European network expands

Portfolio was refined for further growth and acquisition. Development of a European network through acquisitions in France, Germany, Italy, Spain and the U.K.

1980s

New global markets

Globalisation with acquisitions in the U.S., Korea, Thailand and Japan.

2000

Market expands to Australia

UCB Australia Pty Ltd is registered.

2001

First UCB product in Australia 

Keppra^® (levetiracetam) tablets are registered on the ARTG, AUST R (120509, 120510, 120513) in Australia for epilepsy since 2001. In 2006, Keppra^® solution for injection AUST R (120501) and the Keppra^® oral solution ARTG, AUST R (120499) followed.

2007

Parkinson’s disease product

Neupro^® (rotigotine) transdermal patch is registered in the ARTG, AUST R (131370, 131381, 131382, 131383) in Australia for Parkinson’s disease since 2007. With more dose options of the Neupro^® transdermal patch ARTG, AUST R (163987, 163988) becoming available in 2010.

2009

Epilepsy portfolio expands

Vimpat^® (lacosamide) injection vial is registered in the ARTG, AUST R (151815) in Australia for epilepsy since 2009. Vimpat^® tablets ARTG, AUST R (196449, 196450, 196451, 196452) followed in 2012. Vimpat^® oral solution ARTG, AUST R (286810) became available in 2018.

2010

Immunology product launches

Cimzia^® (certolizumab pegol) pre-filled syringe is registered in the ARTG, AUST R (154726) in Australia for Rheumatoid Arthritis since 2010. The Cimzia^® pre-filled pen ARTG, AUST R (286810) followed in 2017.

2016

Another option for Epilepsy

Briviact^® (brivaracetam) is registered in the ARTG, AUST R (24375, 243792, 243793, 243794, 243796, 243797, 243798) in Australia for epilepsy since 2016.

2022

Expansion of immunology portfolio

Bimzelx^® (bimekizumab) is registered in the ARTG, AUST R (353268, 353269) in Australia for Psoriasis. Additional Rheumatology indications (Psoriatic Arthritis, Non-radiographic Axial Spondyloarthritis and Ankylosing Spondylitis) were granted in 2024.

2024

Rare disease product launches

Zilbrysq^® (zilucoplan) is registered in the ARTG, AUST R (414648, 414649, 410994) in Australia for Myasthenia gravis in 2024.

2025

Rare disease portfolio expands

Rystiggo^® (rozanolixizumab) is registered in the ARTG, AUST R (427684) in Australia for Myasthenia gravis in 2025.

And beyond

UCB is focused on shaping the future of healthcare by driving innovation in the development and delivery of medicines. We foster a culture of creativity by providing a supportive environment, hiring talented individuals, and looking beyond our own boundaries to acquire new knowledge and skills. As an R&D-driven organisation, UCB is dedicated to creating valuable solutions for patients and advance the future of medicine.