LONDON, October 21 /PRNewswire/ --

Vimpat (lacosamide), a new treatment for adults with partial onset epilepsy, and which is to be used as an add-on to patients' current therapy, has been launched in the UK.

Epilepsy currently affects more than 450,000 people in the UK; one person in every 131, and despite the fact that there are presently 18 different anti-epileptic drugs available, it is estimated that around a third of people with epilepsy still experience seizures despite treatment with these medications. Epilepsy can have a huge impact on the work, social and personal lives of those with the illness, as well as their family and friends.

For those who are still experiencing seizures, despite trying many treatments, this launch is very positive news. Epilepsy can have a major impact, not just on those with the condition but on their family and friends too. Each seizure has the very real potential to disrupt someone's day-to-day life, including their ability to learn, work and socialise. We welcome this new treatment, giving people with epilepsy another valuable option, says Simon Wigglesworth, Epilepsy Action.

Side effects are common with add-on anti-epilepsy drugs. In clinical trials, Lacosamide when added to a broad range of the most commonly used anti-epileptic drugs, showed no clinically relevant drug-to-drug interactions. It can be given as a tablet, a syrup or intravenously.

The arrival of a new treatment option which has the potential to help people better control their condition is extremely positive. Understandably, my patients are often extremely anxious about the prospect of living with seizures. I look forward to being able to integrate this new drug into my practice; my aim is always to offer my patients the best I can to help manage their epilepsy, said Ley Sander, Professor of Neurology and Clinical Epilepsy at the UCL Institute of Neurology, London.

Notes to Editor:

Summary of Product Characteristics

http://emc.medicines.org.uk/emc/assets/c/html/DisplayDoc.asp?DocumentID=...

References

1. National Society for Epilepsy. Epilepsy: Information on epileptic seizures. Available http://www.epilepsynse.org.uk/PAGES/whatsnew/pr/ep_facts.cfm [Accessed 15 August 2008]

2. Shorvan, S. Handbook of Epilepsy Treatment. Second Edition. Blackwell Publishing 2005

3. VIMPAT(R) Summary of Product Characteristics

About UCB

UCB, Brussels, Belgium (http://www.ucb-group.com) is a global leader in the biopharmaceutical industry dedicated to the research, development and commercialisation of innovative medicines with focus on the fields of central nervous system and immunology disorders. Employing around 12 000 people in over 40 countries, UCB achieved revenue of 3.6 billion euro in 2007. UCB is listed on Euronext Brussels (symbol: UCB).

Forward looking statement

This press release contains forward-looking statements based on current plans, estimates and beliefs of management. Such statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to be materially different from those that may be implied by such forward-looking statements contained in this press release. Important factors that could result in such differences include: changes in general economic, business and competitive conditions, effects of future judicial decisions, changes in regulation, exchange rate fluctuations and hiring and retention of its employees.

For further information, please contact: Ian Weatherhead (Dr), Director UK Corporate Global RD Communications, Tel: +44(0)1753-447-950, ian.weatherhead@ucb-group.com