UCB expands in Brazil

04-06-2012: UCB and Meizler Biopharma, a privately-owned Brazilian pharmaceutical company, announced that they have signed an agreement by which UCB acquires 51% of Meizler Biopharma. The agreement foresees performance related milestone payments in the coming years as well as an option to purchase the remaining 49% later in time. The parties have agreed not to disclose further details pertaining to financial elements of the transaction.

"Our strategic partnership in Brazil with Meizler Biopharma is part of UCB’s growth strategy. UCB’s decision to partner with Meizler Biopharma relies especially on their local infrastructure, Avi Meizler's and his team's experience and excellent reputation", says Roch Doliveux, CEO of UCB. " Brazil is one of UCB’s key markets in which the company did not have a direct presence yet.It is currently the 7th largest biopharmaceutical market world-wide and is growing fast. With Meizler Biopharma, we look forward to building our presence in this region, creating a platform to launch UCB’s new products and making our medicines available to more patients".

Avi Meizler, the founder, CEO and principle shareholder of Meizler Biopharma, says: "We are very happy with our new partner UCB which strengthens Meizler Biopharma and brings the advantages of a global biopharmaceutical leader including a strong R&D pipeline of potential new products. Knowledge and expertise sharing between our teams will create a platform for growth to the benefits of patients living with severe diseases".