What are the top-selling drugs of UCB?

Overview of UCB

Company Background
UCB is a Brussels-based global biopharmaceutical company with a rich history that dates back several decades. Well known for its innovative approach in discovering and developing treatments for severe diseases of the immune and central nervous systems, the company employs over 8,000 people globally across approximately 40 countries. Over the years, UCB has built a reputation for high-quality treatments in specialties such as neurology and immunology. Their longstanding focus on central nervous system disorders, epilepsy, rheumatoid arthritis, and other immune-mediated inflammatory diseases has allowed them to secure a strong foothold in both established and emerging markets. The company’s strategy is built on innovation, patient centricity, and strategic collaborations aimed at transforming lives and addressing unmet medical needs.

UCB's Position in the Pharmaceutical Industry
Within the competitive landscape of global biopharmaceuticals, UCB is recognized for its robust research and development capabilities and its ability to develop a diversified portfolio of treatments. Their core focus on neurology and immunology has enabled them to secure a leadership position, particularly in the areas of epilepsy, rheumatoid arthritis, and rare neurological disorders. UCB consistently leverages its deep expertise in clinical development to deliver innovative treatments that are not only supported by strong sales performance but also by impressive clinical outcomes. The company’s position is further strengthened by strategic divestitures in certain legacy markets—such as its matured neurology and allergy business in China—to refocus on growth drivers and innovative product launches, ensuring long-term sustainability and continued leadership in the sector.

Top-Selling Drugs of UCB

Identification of Top-Selling Drugs
UCB’s top-selling drugs have evolved over time as the company adapts to shifting market dynamics and regulatory challenges, while simultaneously investing in novel products and managing portfolio transitions. Historically, UCB’s portfolio has included blockbuster products such as CIMZIA® (certolizumab pegol), VIMPAT® (lacosamide), and KEPPRA® (levetiracetam), which have shaped the company’s revenues and patient reach. Specifically, the 2021 Annual Report highlights the following core products that have represented significant revenue streams:

- CIMZIA® (certolizumab pegol):
CIMZIA® is one of UCB’s flagship drugs used for treating inflammatory TNF-mediated diseases. In 2021, it reached approximately 170,000 patients globally with impressive net sales of around €1,841 million. Its robust performance, even in the face of market challenges, reflects its acceptance and continued relevance in treating conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and Crohn’s disease in markets where UCB operates.

- VIMPAT® (lacosamide):
VIMPAT® is UCB’s well-recognized antiepileptic drug indicated for the treatment of partial-onset seizures. It is accessed by over 800,000 patients worldwide and recorded net sales of around €1,549 million. Its consistent performance across diverse regions, including stable performance in the U.S. and Europe, underscores its key role in UCB’s revenue profile.

- KEPPRA® (levetiracetam):
KEPPRA® is one of the best-known antiepileptic drugs in the company’s portfolio, reaching more than 2 million patients. In 2021, it accounted for net sales of approximately €970 million. Despite facing generic competition and related pricing pressures in certain markets, its performance in large markets like Japan has compensated for the erosion seen in other regions.

In more recent years, UCB has also strategically focused on emerging and high-growth products as part of its future growth drivers. The company’s 2023 Annual Report emphasizes a new generation of products tailored to address unmet needs in immunology, neurology, and even rare diseases—the key drivers identified being:

- EVENITY®:
Although a relatively newer product in its portfolio, EVENITY® has become a crucial growth driver and is positioned as one of the key assets contributing to future expansion strategies, particularly in the area of bone health and possibly osteoporosis treatment.

- FINTEPLA® (fenfluramine):
FINTEPLA® is used in the treatment of Dravet Syndrome, an indication that has seen significant uptake among neurologists, especially following positive outcomes in clinical trials. With strong recommendations as a foundational therapy in Dravet Syndrome, its rapid market uptake underscores its growing role in UCB’s future revenue streams.

- BIMZELX® (bimekizumab):
BIMZELX® is a novel antibody targeting IL-17A/IL-17F approved for plaque psoriasis. It has shown remarkable growth rates, evidenced by a reported 323% increase in net sales among growth assets. Its success in clinical trials and early market adoption reflects the importance of innovative biologic therapies in UCB’s pipeline.

- RYSTIGGO®:
RYSTIGGO® is used in the treatment of generalized myasthenia gravis (gMG). With a differentiated mechanism of action (subcutaneous infusion targeting neonatal Fc receptor), it has been seen as a promising therapy in a competitive myasthenia gravis space. Its launch and early sales performance add to the company’s diversified portfolio.

- ZILBRYSQ®:
ZILBRYSQ® is another therapy for generalized myasthenia gravis which, following an FDA approval, is now viewed as complementary to RYSTIGGO® in addressing the unmet medical needs in this rare disease. As a self-administered, once-daily therapy, it offers advantages in patient convenience that could drive its market penetration in the coming years.

In summary, while the historical top-selling drugs of UCB have primarily been CIMZIA®, VIMPAT®, and KEPPRA®, the company has been strategically evolving its portfolio by heavily investing in innovative and differentiated therapies. The integration of new growth drivers such as EVENITY®, FINTEPLA®, BIMZELX®, RYSTIGGO®, and ZILBRYSQ® further illustrates UCB’s proactive approach in securing future top-selling assets.

Sales Data and Market Impact
Analyzing the sales data and market impact provides additional context to the significance of UCB's top-selling products:

- CIMZIA®:
In 2021, CIMZIA® emerged as the largest drug in UCB’s portfolio, with net sales of approximately €1,841 million. The robust acceptance by healthcare providers, supported by favorable reimbursement and strong usage in markets like Europe and North America, has maintained its central role even amidst stiff generic competition. Moreover, due to its high potential to generate over $2 billion in annual sales—as forecasted by UCB—the commercial importance of CIMZIA® extends well beyond mere revenue figures; it also plays a pivotal role in shaping the company’s investment and R&D strategies.

- VIMPAT®:
With net sales of about €1,549 million, VIMPAT® has established itself as a critical asset in UCB’s portfolio. Its widespread use by over 800,000 patients globally signifies its broad market penetration and continued importance in the treatment of epilepsy. Notably, its sales performance remains strong across multiple regions, balancing the challenges of patent expirations and evolving generic market dynamics.

- KEPPRA®:
Keppra’s sales, recorded at nearly €970 million, are particularly notable for its considerable patient reach of over 2 million individuals. Despite facing competitive pressures resulting from generic brand erosion in the U.S. and Europe, its performance in markets with lower generic penetration, such as Japan, provides a strong counterbalance. This dynamic reflects both the brand strength and the inherent market characteristics that allow KEPPRA® to maintain high sales volumes.

- Emerging Growth Drivers:
The recent emphasis on products like FINTEPLA®, BIMZELX®, EVENITY®, RYSTIGGO®, and ZILBRYSQ® further contributes to reshaping UCB’s market footprint. For example, FINTEPLA® has reported impressive growth figures in its indication for Dravet Syndrome, while BIMZELX® has seen extraordinary net sales growth rates—up to 323%—substantially altering the company’s revenue structure and future projections. The combined sales and strategic positioning of these new drugs are expected to bolster UCB’s overall revenue in the coming years, reinforcing the transition from reliance on legacy products to a balanced, forward-looking portfolio.

Therapeutic Areas and Indications
The therapeutic areas served by UCB’s top-selling drugs are diverse, reflecting strategic targeting of highly prevalent and challenging medical conditions:

- Rheumatology/Inflammatory Diseases (CIMZIA®):
CIMZIA® is primarily indicated for inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and Crohn’s disease. Its mode of action as a certolizumab pegol effectively neutralizes TNF-α, offering relief to patients with chronic inflammatory conditions. The broad clinical application of CIMZIA® makes it a backbone of UCB’s revenue and a critical drug in their immunological portfolio.

- Epilepsy (VIMPAT® and KEPPRA®):
Epilepsy is a major neurological disorder, and UCB has built considerable expertise in this area through VIMPAT® and KEPPRA®. VIMPAT® (lacosamide) and KEPPRA® (levetiracetam) are pivotal in the management of partial-onset seizures, with high patient numbers and widespread acceptance among neurologists. Their use across diverse geographic regions—even in areas facing significant generic competition—underscores their clinical value and commercial importance.

- Rare and Specialty Neurological Diseases (FINTEPLA®, RYSTIGGO®, ZILBRYSQ®):
With evolving needs in neurology, UCB has developed targeted therapies for rare conditions such as Dravet Syndrome (FINTEPLA®) and generalized myasthenia gravis (RYSTIGGO® and ZILBRYSQ®). These therapies, developed through strategic acquisitions and internal R&D prowess, represent some of the most innovative treatments on the market today. Their high growth rates and potential for blockbuster status are indicative of the increasing market focus on rare diseases and specialty indications.

- Dermatology (BIMZELX®):
BIMZELX® (bimekizumab) is a novel biologic for plaque psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, and investigational indications in hidradenitis suppurativa. As skin-related conditions continue to demand effective treatments with improved safety profiles, BIMZELX®’s rapid sales growth and widespread regulatory approval in multiple regions mark it as a cornerstone of UCB’s expansion into the dermatology space.

In aggregate, UCB’s top-selling drugs not only cover chronic inflammatory conditions and prevalent neurological disorders but also extend into rare and specialty indications. This diversification helps the company mitigate risks from patent expiries and generic competition while ensuring continued market relevance across multiple therapeutic areas.

Factors Contributing to Success

Marketing and Sales Strategies
Several factors have contributed to the commercial success of UCB’s top-selling drugs, reflecting the company’s multifaceted approach to market penetration and revenue maximization:

- Robust Brand Positioning:
UCB has managed to create strong brand identities for its flagship drugs through comprehensive marketing efforts and continuous engagement with healthcare professionals. CIMZIA®, for instance, has maintained substantial market share and credibility in the field of inflammatory diseases despite challenges from generic competition. Strategic promotional campaigns, educational activities, and extensive outreach to key opinion leaders (KOLs) have bolstered its market presence.

- Targeted Geographic Expansion:
UCB has employed targeted expansion strategies across different regions. KEPPRA® and VIMPAT® have shown robust performance in markets like Japan, where generic competition is less aggressive. This geographic diversification has allowed UCB to sustain high sales volumes even when facing pricing pressures in other regions.

- Effective Divestment and Reinvestment:
In recent years, UCB has strategically divested non-core assets, such as its mature neurology and allergy business in China, selling these legacy products (e.g., seizure drugs Keppra and Vimpat, allergy drugs Zyrtec and Xyzal, along with manufacturing sites) for US$680 million. This move has enabled the company to reallocate resources into high-growth, innovative therapies without diluting the overall brand reputation. Such strategic divestitures not only streamline the product portfolio but also concentrate efforts on therapies with significant future potential.

- Direct-to-Consumer and Healthcare Provider Outreach:
The company has increasingly adopted direct-to-consumer (DTC) campaigns, particularly for its newer launches such as BIMZELX® in the U.S. market, and has continued to invest in provider-focused strategies that enhance therapeutic awareness and adoption. These initiatives underscore UCB’s commitment to ensuring that its products are well understood by both patients and providers, thereby driving prescription volumes and market share.

- Leveraging Data and Analytics:
UCB has also embraced advanced analytics and market research to tailor its sales strategies and improve outcomes. By continuously analyzing real-world sales data and market feedback, the company refines its marketing approaches to optimize product positioning and ensure sustained long-term growth.

Research and Development Contributions
UCB’s sustained investment in research and development (R&D) has played an equally critical role in the success of its top-selling drugs:

- Innovative Clinical Programs:
The strong commercial performance of products like FINTEPLA® and BIMZELX® is underpinned by evidence generated in robust clinical trials. For example, FINTEPLA® has been supported by data demonstrating its efficacy and safety in treating Dravet Syndrome, a rare epileptic condition, thereby justifying its rapid market uptake. Similarly, BIMZELX®’s impressive growth in psoriasis is a direct result of positive clinical outcomes and regulatory endorsements.

- Strategic Partnerships and Collaborations:
UCB has frequently leveraged strategic collaborations, such as the acquisition of Ra Pharmaceuticals to secure key neurology assets, and partnerships with research institutions and companies like Five Prime Therapeutics to enhance target discovery and drug development. These collaborations have enabled UCB to remain at the forefront of innovation while reducing the time-to-market for new therapies.

- Pipeline Diversification:
As detailed in their annual reports, UCB’s R&D efforts have been geared toward diversifying its portfolio with both incremental innovations and disruptive therapies. The company invests heavily not only in expanding indications for existing products but also in studying completely novel mechanisms of action, thereby driving the transition from legacy drugs to next-generation therapies.

- Focus on High-Impact Therapeutics:
By concentrating on high-impact therapeutic areas—including rare diseases and specialty indications—UCB ensures that its R&D dollars are channeled toward areas with significant unmet needs and high commercial potential. This focused approach underlies the development of therapies such as RYSTIGGO® and ZILBRYSQ®, which address niche markets that are less crowded but represent opportunities for blockbuster potential.

Future Prospects

Pipeline Products
Looking forward, UCB’s future prospects hinge on the continued success of both its established core products and its emerging pipeline therapies. The company’s R&D pipeline is robust and is aimed at addressing key areas of unmet medical need. Notable pipeline products include:

- Emerging Growth Drivers:
The strategic focus on products like EVENITY®, FINTEPLA®, BIMZELX®, RYSTIGGO®, and ZILBRYSQ® not only underscores a shift toward high-growth therapies but also provides a glimpse into the future revenue portfolio of UCB. These drugs are expected to become increasingly significant as they penetrate their respective therapeutic markets. Clinical trial data and regulatory approvals have paved the way for their global launches, suggesting that UCB’s revenue base will become less reliant on legacy products as these new assets mature.

- Expansion into Rare Diseases:
UCB is also actively exploring treatment options for rare neurological and immunological diseases. With several Phase 3 and early-stage clinical programs in progress, the company aims to further solidify its presence in niche markets where innovation is urgently needed. The development and potential regulatory approval of these therapies will be central to UCB’s growth strategy in the next decade.

- Collaborative Initiatives:
In addition to organic R&D, UCB’s strategic collaborations continue to drive its pipeline forward. For instance, collaborations with partner organizations have provided access to novel drug discovery platforms and have accelerated the identification of potential new targets, thereby enhancing the overall innovation quotient of the company. Such initiatives are expected to contribute new and diverse assets to the pipeline over time, offering long-term upside potential in a rapidly evolving biopharmaceutical market.

Market Trends and Predictions
The trends in the biopharmaceutical industry—ranging from increasing healthcare expenditure to the rising prevalence of complex immune and neurologic disorders—paint a favorable picture for UCB. Several factors underscore the future market potential for UCB’s top-selling drugs and pipeline therapies:

- Growing Demand for Specialty and Rare Disease Treatments:
The global market for treatments in rare diseases and specialty indications is expanding rapidly. As precision medicine and targeted therapeutics gain traction, drugs like FINTEPLA®, RYSTIGGO®, and ZILBRYSQ® are positioned to benefit from increasing clinical adoption. The focus on individualized treatment approaches and improved patient outcomes is likely to drive higher adoption rates among healthcare providers, translating into sustained sales growth.

- Shifts in Global Healthcare Policy and Reimbursement Models:
With increasing focus on cost-effectiveness and value-based care, healthcare systems around the world are re-evaluating their reimbursement strategies. UCB’s ability to demonstrate clinically meaningful benefits with strong safety profiles places its top-selling drugs in a favorable position. Transparent pricing strategies, combined with outcomes-based agreements, will likely enhance the market penetration of these therapies in the years to come.

- Technological Advancements in Data Analytics and Market Research:
Innovations in data analytics are reshaping how pharmaceutical companies assess market trends and optimize their product portfolios. UCB’s proactive approach in leveraging real-world data to refine its marketing strategies and track post-launch performance is expected to further boost its ability to respond dynamically to market needs. This, in turn, will drive improved sales performance and overall market competitiveness.

- Expanding Global Reach and Penetration:
Geographic expansion, especially into high-growth emerging markets, remains a key focus for UCB. While the company has strategically divested certain legacy operations (e.g., the neurology and allergy business in China), it continues to explore innovative market entry strategies in regions with high unmet needs. With approximately 40 countries in its operational portfolio, UCB is well poised to capitalize on global market trends, leveraging both established and emerging therapeutic areas.

Conclusion
In conclusion, UCB’s portfolio of top-selling drugs represents a diverse and strategically managed asset base that has been instrumental in shaping the company’s revenue profile and market position. Historically, drugs such as CIMZIA®, VIMPAT®, and KEPPRA® have driven significant sales figures, with CIMZIA® being a flagship product that reached approximately €1,841 million in annual net sales and playing a central role in addressing inflammatory diseases. VIMPAT® and KEPPRA® have similarly contributed large revenues in the epilepsy segment, maintaining their importance even amid evolving generic competition.

More recently, UCB has recalibrated its product strategy by investing in a new wave of innovative therapies such as EVENITY®, FINTEPLA®, BIMZELX®, RYSTIGGO®, and ZILBRYSQ®. These drugs address critical unmet needs in areas including bone health, rare neurological disorders, and immune-mediated conditions, and they form the backbone of UCB’s future growth prospects. The company’s success in marketing and sales—bolstered by robust geographic expansion, targeted promotional strategies, and strategic divestments—has ensured that its historical products continue to generate high revenues while paving the way for future expansion. Furthermore, substantial investment in R&D and strategic collaborations has enabled UCB to sustain a strong pipeline, positioning it effectively against evolving market trends and competitive pressures.

Looking ahead, market trends such as the growing demand for specialty and rare disease treatments, evolving healthcare reimbursement policies, and technological advancements in data analytics are all expected to work in favor of UCB. By effectively balancing its legacy products with high-potential pipeline assets and through strategic global expansion, UCB is well positioned to maintain and enhance its leadership in the competitive biopharmaceutical landscape. These efforts will not only sustain current top-selling drugs but also promote the commercialization of emerging therapies, ultimately shaping the future trajectory of the organization.

In summary, UCB’s top-selling drugs—CIMZIA®, VIMPAT®, and KEPPRA®—have long established the company’s market presence and revenue generation, while the addition of innovative growth drivers like EVENITY®, FINTEPLA®, BIMZELX®, RYSTIGGO®, and ZILBRYSQ® signal a robust future. This diversified portfolio, coupled with strategic marketing, well-planned geographic expansion, and relentless investment in R&D, underscores UCB’s ability to navigate both current market challenges and future opportunities effectively. The company’s comprehensive strategic approach offers both immediate market impact and long-term sustainable growth, ensuring that UCB remains a prominent player in the global biopharmaceutical industry.

Detailed Conclusion:
UCB’s evolution from relying on traditional blockbuster therapies—such as CIMZIA® (an established leader in inflammatory diseases), VIMPAT® (a robust antiepileptic with broad geographic reach), and KEPPRA® (a key player in epilepsy management)—to embracing innovative therapies that address unmet needs in rare and complex diseases is a testament to its forward-thinking strategy. The future is strongly anchored by a clear vision that integrates expansive R&D efforts, strategic asset management through divestitures and collaborations, and dynamic marketing strategies tailored to diverse global markets. With its combined focus on legacy drugs and breakthrough therapies, UCB is poised for continued success and growth in the ever-changing pharmaceutical landscape.