Autoimmune and chronic inflammatory diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn’s disease, and psoriatic arthritis affect millions of people around the world. These conditions can be life-altering, often causing long-term pain, disability, and a significant impact on daily quality of life. Unlike lifestyle-driven chronic illnesses, autoimmune disorders occur when the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks its own tissues—making targeted, long-term treatment essential.
To meet this need, biopharmaceutical companies have developed biologic therapies that address the underlying immune pathways driving these conditions. One of these therapies is Cimzia (certolizumab pegol), manufactured by UCB Pharma S.A., a global company headquartered in Belgium. With a strong focus on immunology and neurology, UCB has built a reputation for advancing innovative treatments while keeping patient needs at the center of its work.
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at UCB Pharma, its history, its role in developing and producing Cimzia, and how its worldwide operations make complex biologic medicines accessible to patients who rely on them.
Key Takeaways
- Cimzia (certolizumab pegol) is developed and manufactured by UCB Pharma S.A., a global biopharmaceutical company headquartered in Brussels, Belgium.
- UCB guided Cimzia through every stage of development, from TNF research and clinical trials to global regulatory approvals.
- Cimzia is produced in UCB’s specialized biologics facilities in Belgium and other strategic locations, with strict quality standards in place.
- The drug’s PEGylated antibody fragment structure extends its half-life, allowing for flexible dosing schedules and reduced placental transfer.
- Beyond Cimzia, UCB’s portfolio includes Keppra, Vimpat, Briviact, and co-developed Evenity, reflecting its focus on neurology and immunology.
- UCB maintains a robust global distribution network, ensuring Cimzia reaches patients in more than 40 countries, supported by efficient supply chain systems and comprehensive patient access programs.
- The company continues to invest in research and safety monitoring, reinforcing its reputation as a trusted innovator in biologics.
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Overview of UCB Pharma as Cimzia’s Developer
UCB Pharma S.A., headquartered in Brussels, Belgium, is a global biopharmaceutical company focused on improving outcomes for people with chronic and severe conditions. Established in 1928 as a chemical firm, UCB later transitioned into pharmaceuticals and became recognized for its leadership in biologic therapies.
One of its most significant contributions is the development of Cimzia (certolizumab pegol), approved for autoimmune and inflammatory diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn’s disease, psoriatic arthritis, and axial spondyloarthritis (encompassing ankylosing spondylitis and non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis).
Today, UCB operates in more than 40 countries and employs thousands of specialists dedicated to advancing science and patient care. The company focuses its research on immunology and neurology, two areas with significant unmet needs, and invests heavily in clinical trials, advanced technology, and robust quality controls. This long-term commitment has established UCB as a trusted leader in biologics, ensuring reliable access to therapies like Cimzia for patients worldwide.
The Role of UCB Pharma in Bringing Cimzia to Market
The journey of Cimzia from discovery to global availability required years of coordinated work from UCB Pharma. As its manufacturer, UCB oversaw every stage, beginning with early research on TNF (tumor necrosis factor) inhibition, moving through clinical development, and finally achieving regulatory approval across multiple regions.
UCB Pharma’s Role in Bringing Cimzia to Market
- Running large-scale clinical trials to confirm Cimzia’s safety, tolerability, and effectiveness in long-term use.
- Building advanced biologics manufacturing facilities, including sites in Belgium and other strategic locations, designed to meet international quality and regulatory standards.
- Collaborating with agencies like the FDA and EMA to secure approvals and expand patient access globally.
- Supporting clinicians with prescribing information, dosing guidance, and monitoring recommendations.
Even after launch, UCB has continued to play an active role, monitoring safety, updating prescribing details, and supporting ongoing studies to expand Cimzia indications. This sustained involvement ensures patients and providers can rely on the therapy as both effective and well-monitored.
Other Biologics and Treatments Produced by UCB Pharma
While Cimzia remains a cornerstone of UCB’s portfolio, the company has developed a range of therapies designed to improve quality of life for patients with chronic conditions. Its research is centered in neurology and immunology, leading to several important innovations.
Notable Products
- Keppra (levetiracetam): A widely used anti-epileptic drug that helps control seizures in adults and children, known for its broad clinical use and reliability.
- Briviact (brivaracetam): An advanced option for epilepsy treatment with a different mechanism of action from Keppra, offering patients and providers another tailored therapy for seizure control.
- Vimpat (lacosamide): Approved for partial-onset seizures, Vimpat provides additional treatment flexibility for people with epilepsy.
- Evenity (romosozumab): Co-developed with Amgen, this biologic is designed for postmenopausal women at high risk of fracture. While Amgen leads marketing in most regions, UCB collaborates as a co-commercialization partner in selected markets.
These therapies highlight UCB’s strategy of combining scientific expertise with patient-focused solutions. The company’s growing pipeline reflects its vision of supporting long-term disease management and expanding access to innovative biologics worldwide.
Global Reach and Distribution of Cimzia by UCB Pharma
Cimzia’s global availability is the result of UCB Pharma’s strong international infrastructure. Operating in more than 40 countries, UCB combines its own facilities with local partnerships to make sure patients have access to Cimzia where it is approved.
Key Elements of Cimzia’s Global Distribution
- Regulatory approvals across North America, Europe, and Asia.
- State-of-the-art manufacturing facilities, with major biologics production sites in Belgium, built to maintain strict international standards.
- Supply chain systems designed to protect the stability of complex biologics during storage and transport.
- Collaboration with healthcare providers and pharmacies to streamline patient access.
- Patient support programs that help with cost management, logistics, and treatment continuity.
This comprehensive approach emphasizes not just reach, but also reliability. By combining regulatory oversight, technical precision, and patient-centered services, UCB helps ensure that Cimzia is available to people who depend on it across diverse healthcare systems.
Conclusion
UCB Pharma’s role as the developer and manufacturer of Cimzia reflects its long-standing dedication to innovative treatment in immunology. From laboratory research to international distribution, UCB has built systems that prioritize safety, effectiveness, and patient access. Its continued investment in science and collaboration with regulators and providers underscores the company’s position as a leader in biologics.
For patients and clinicians alike, knowing decades of expertise and global infrastructure support Cimzia provides added confidence in its use. With a forward-looking pipeline and ongoing commitment to research, UCB is well-positioned to deliver new therapies that further improve the lives of people living with chronic conditions.
FAQs
1. Who makes Cimzia?
Cimzia is manufactured by UCB Pharma S.A., a global biopharmaceutical company headquartered in Brussels, Belgium.
2. What conditions does Cimzia treat?
Healthcare professionals prescribe Cimzia for rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn’s disease, psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, and non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis, among others.
3. Is Cimzia a biologic?
Yes. Cimzia is a biologic therapy and works by blocking tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), a key driver of inflammation.
4. Where is Cimzia manufactured?
Cimzia is produced at UCB’s specialized biologic facilities in Belgium and other strategic sites, all operating under strict international standards.
5. How does Cimzia differ from other biologics?
Cimzia is a PEGylated antibody fragment. PEGylation extends its half-life, which can allow less frequent dosing in some treatment regimens, and the fragment design reduces placental transfer.
6. Is Cimzia available worldwide?
Yes. Cimzia has regulatory approvals in multiple regions, including the U.S., Europe, and Asia, supported by UCB’s international distribution network.
7. Does UCB Pharma make other biologics besides Cimzia?
Yes. UCB also produces therapies including Keppra, Vimpat, and Briviact, and co-developed Evenity for osteoporosis in partnership with Amgen.
References
Abend AH, He I, Bahroos N, et al. Estimation of prevalence of autoimmune diseases in the United States using electronic health record data. Journal of Clinical Investigation. Published online December 12, 2024. doi:10.1172/jci178722
Cimzia (certolizumab pegol) FDA Approval History. Drugs.com. https://www.drugs.com/history/cimzia.html
Cimzia. European Medicines Agency (EMA). https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/medicines/human/EPAR/cimzia
